Music Sculpture Artist Guidelines for Art Serenade

What happens when you hand a broken instrument to a visual artist? At the CSOL Art Serenade, we’re inviting Charleston-area creators to find out.

We’re seeking artists to participate in a unique and imaginative challenge: transforming damaged or decommissioned musical instruments into sculptural works of art. These finished pieces will be auctioned at the event to raise funds for the Charleston Symphony Orchestra League (CSOL)—and to remind us all that creativity can give new life to even the most unexpected materials.

As a featured component of the CSOL Art Serenade, the Music Sculpture Project invites 3–6 selected artists to reimagine broken musical instruments as original artworks. These sculptures will be displayed throughout the event space and auctioned via QR codes using the GiveSmart platform.

The goal? Celebrate the link between music and visual art while offering guests a powerful example of creative transformation.

• One broken or unused musical instrument (or parts) provided by the event team
• 50% of the final sale price from the auction
• Recognition on the CSOL website, social media, and printed event program
• A commemorative Art Serenade t-shirt
• Display space for your sculpture during the full-day event

• A safe, stable, and visually engaging sculpture that features the musical instrument as a primary component
• You’re welcome to integrate other materials (wood, paint, wire, fabric, found objects, etc.)
• Optional: provide a short artist statement or backstory to be displayed alongside the piece
• Your sculpture must be ready for indoor display, and either freestanding or capable of being shown on a pedestal

• Confirm Participation: June 1st, 2025
• Finished Sculpture Due: August 1, 2025
• Drop-Off Location: See admission email
• Event Date: August 16th, 2025
• Auction Platform: GiveSmart (bids placed via QR codes on-site)

If your piece does not sell, you will have the option to either retrieve it after the event or donate it fully to CSOL.

• Sculptures will be installed by the event team on partition walls, pedestals, or easels (as appropriate)
• Please inform us in advance if your piece requires special handling or non-standard setup

Labels will include: artist name, title, medium, dimensions, starting bid, and an optional description

• Open to artists based in Charleston or the greater South Carolina area
• Artists may also participate in other event segments (auction or live painting), space permitting

Participation is by invitation or portfolio selection—space is limited

Can I request a specific instrument?
We’ll do our best, but availability depends on what’s donated. Currently, we have piano and guitar.

Can I use additional materials beyond the instrument?
Yes—mixed media and creative combinations are encouraged, as long as the instrument remains central.

Do I need to be present at the event?
No, though we encourage you to attend. Your sculpture will be displayed whether you’re present or not.

What if my piece doesn’t sell?
We’ll reach out to arrange pickup or you may choose to donate the piece fully to CSOL for future fundraising.

If you’ve already been invited to participate, please confirm your involvement by June 1st by contacting:
CSOLartserenade@gmail.com

If you’re interested in being considered, please submit an application.

Instrument pickup and drop-off can be arranged with the team.