This exhibition commemorates the 250-year evolution of the United States, exploring what it

means to become—both as a nation and as individuals within it.

Since its founding in 1776, the United States has experienced periods of expansion, conflict,

innovation, and transformation. American society has continually reshaped itself, reflecting an

ongoing process of growth and change.

“The American Journey” invites artists to explore this evolving story through their work.

Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly and creatively.

Possible areas of exploration include:

• The evolution of American identity

• The influence of technology, immigration, and industry

• The changing American landscape — both physical and societal

• The roles of race, class, and gender in shaping the nation

• Reflections on past and present struggles, triumphs, and ongoing challenges

• Environmental and global influences shaping America’s future

Through diverse artistic voices and perspectives, this exhibition aims to reflect the complexity of the American journey—past, present, and still unfolding.

Entry Guidelines: Please read all submission guidelines carefully. Incomplete applications or entries that do not follow the guidelines may not be accepted.

• Open to all artists — emerging, established, and self-taught

• CSA membership is not required

• Artists must be 18 years or older

Important:
Applications must be complete and follow all submission guidelines. Entries that are incomplete or do not comply with the stated guidelines will not be accepted for consideration. The CSA Exhibits Committee reserves the right to reject any artwork that does not meet the stated requirements or guidelines.

Entry Fee

• $45 non-refundable entry fee

• Artists may submit up to two (2) artworks

Artwork Size Requirements

• 2D Artwork
  Maximum size 36” x 36” including frame

• 3D Artwork (pedestal work)
  Maximum size 18” x 18” x 36” high

• Floor sculptures may be considered case-by-case by the Exhibits Committee

Diptychs / Triptychs

May be accepted at the discretion of the Exhibits Committee.

The combined work must not exceed 36 inches in height or width and must be listed as one artwork with a single price.

Hanging Requirements

All 2D artwork must be wired with D-rings and ready to hang

The following will not be accepted:

• Sawtooth hangers

• Eye screws

• Keyhole hangers

Failure to provide proper hanging hardware may result in rejection from the exhibition.

Safety Requirements

• Artwork may not contain toxic, flammable, or hazardous materials.

• Artwork must not endanger visitors in any way.

• Any artwork requiring electricity must use properly grounded 3-prong GFCI plugs.

Sales

Artists receive 100% of proceeds from the sale of their artwork during the exhibition.

Artists must provide at least one payment method for collectors (QR code for Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, CashApp, etc.).

In support of our collectors and patrons, artists are strongly encouraged to price their work for sale rather than submit NFS pieces.

Exhibition Terms

Artwork will remain on display for the duration of the exhibition.

Collector payment will be verified with the artist before artwork is released at take-down.

Artwork Pickup

Unsold artwork must be picked up within 30 days of the exhibition closing.

Artwork not retrieved within that timeframe becomes property of Charlotte Studio Artists, due to limited storage space.

Eligibility

All artwork must be original and created entirely by the submitting artist.

Digital art is excepted.

The following will not be accepted:

• Reproductions or prints

• AI-generated imagery

Liability

Charlotte Studio Artists will exercise reasonable care in handling and displaying artwork. However, CSA is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage while artwork is in transit, on display, or during installation or removal. Artists are encouraged to insure their work if desired.

Submissions Open: March 26

Submission Deadline: May 7

Notification of Acceptance: May 9

• Opening Reception: May 21

• Exhibition Dates: May 21 - July 11

• Artwork Drop-off: May 16 from 10am-4pm

• Artwork Pick-up: July 12 from 1pm-3pm or July 14 from 10am-12pm

We’re looking for artwork that doesn’t behave.

Unusual & Unexpected is an open call for art that zigzags instead of going straight. We want the oddball, the risk-taker, the beautiful mistake, the piece that makes viewers tilt their head and say, “Wait… what?”

Surprise us with:

• Strange materials doing unfamiliar things

• Ideas that twist midway through

• Humor, awkwardness, disruption, delight

• Work that refuses to explain itself right away

Subtle weird is welcome. Loud weird too.
All media encouraged. Especially the hard-to-classify stuff.
2D, 3D, digital, analog, hybrid, experimental, or “I don’t know what to call this.”

Who Can Submit
All artists. Emerging, established, self-taught, rule-followers on their day off.

NOTE TO ARTISTS;

Inclusion in exhibits will be based on CSA’s alignment with the YMCA, its members and guests. Please keep this in mind when entering artwork. All accepted entries will be considered appropriate for this unique venue.

Entry Guidelines: Please read all submission guidelines carefully. Incomplete applications or entries that do not follow the guidelines may not be accepted.

• Open to all artists — emerging, established, and self-taught

• CSA membership is not required

• Artists must be 18 years or older

Important:
Applications must be complete and follow all submission guidelines. Entries that are incomplete or do not comply with the stated guidelines will not be accepted for consideration. The CSA Exhibits Committee reserves the right to reject any artwork that does not meet the stated requirements or guidelines.

Entry Fee

• $45 non-refundable entry fee

• Artists may submit up to two (2) artworks

Artwork Size Requirements

• 2D Artwork
  Maximum size 36” x 36” including frame

• 3D Artwork (pedestal work)
  Maximum size 18” x 18” x 36” high

• Floor sculptures may be considered case-by-case by the Exhibits Committee

Diptychs / Triptychs

May be accepted at the discretion of the Exhibits Committee.

The combined work must not exceed 36 inches in height or width and must be listed as one artwork with a single price.

Hanging Requirements

All 2D artwork must be wired with D-rings and ready to hang

The following will not be accepted:

• Sawtooth hangers

• Eye screws

• Keyhole hangers

Failure to provide proper hanging hardware may result in rejection from the exhibition.

Safety Requirements

• Artwork may not contain toxic, flammable, or hazardous materials.

• Artwork must not endanger visitors in any way.

• Any artwork requiring electricity must use properly grounded 3-prong GFCI plugs.

Sales

Artists receive 100% of proceeds from the sale of their artwork during the exhibition.

Artists must provide at least one payment method for collectors (QR code for Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, CashApp, etc.).

In support of our collectors and patrons, artists are strongly encouraged to price their work for sale rather than submit NFS pieces.

Exhibition Terms

Artwork will remain on display for the duration of the exhibition.

Collector payment will be verified with the artist before artwork is released at take-down.

Artwork Pickup

Unsold artwork must be picked up within 30 days of the exhibition closing.

Artwork not retrieved within that timeframe becomes property of Charlotte Studio Artists, due to limited storage space.

Eligibility

All artwork must be original and created entirely by the submitting artist.

Digital art is excepted.

The following will not be accepted:

• Reproductions or prints

• AI-generated imagery

Liability

Charlotte Studio Artists will exercise reasonable care in handling and displaying artwork. However, CSA is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage while artwork is in transit, on display, or during installation or removal. Artists are encouraged to insure their work if desired.

• Submission deadline: March 5, 2026

• Notifications: March 12, 2026

• Drop-off artwork @ CSA: March 14, 2026, 10am - 4pm

• Opening Reception: March 19, 2026