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.

• CSA membership is not required to enter

• Must be 18 years or older to enter exhibits

• $25 non-refundable entry fee per artwork piece submitted for consideration

• No 2D piece larger than 36”x36”, including frame.

• All artwork must be wired with “D”-rings ready to hang. NO SAWTOOTH HANGERS. NO EYE SCREWS or KEYHOLE HANGERS. Diptychs/Triptychs will be up to the discretion of the exhibits committee. Artwork may be allowed as long as the completed work does not exceed 36” in height or width and are designated as one price for the combined pieces.

• NOTE: Failure to provide artwork with the proper hanging hardware system can result in the artist’s work being rejected from the exhibition.

• Artwork CANNOT contain toxic, flammable or otherwise inherently dangerous material. Artist’s work must not endanger gallery visitors in any way and must include all the necessary equipment (hardware or other components) required for installation. All artwork requiring cords must be properly grounded with 3-prong, GFCI plugs.

• NO 3D artwork larger than 18” x 18” x 36” high for pedestals can be accepted. Floor pieces will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the exhibits committee.

• Artists must provide information regarding one type of payment they will accept for purchase of their artwork. (i.e. QR Code for ZELLE, PayPal, CashApp or VENMO)

• Artists receive 100% of proceeds from the sale of their artwork during the exhibition period. In return, Artists agree to share exhibit information on their social media pages, comment on and follow other artists in the show and make all efforts to attend the opening reception. 

• In support of our art collecting friends and patrons please reconsider not-for-sale (NFS) artwork submittals. We prefer and highly suggest that all exhibition artwork be ready for purchase. 

• Artwork will remain on display in the gallery for the duration of the exhibit. Art collector payment will be verified with the artist before art is removed from TAKE-DOWN/PICK-UP exhibit date.

• Any UNSOLD artwork, not picked up within 45 days by the artist, buyer or other identified artist’s representative will become property of the Charlotte Studio Artists. We do not have the space to store artwork not otherwise retrieved. Please plan accordingly.

• No reproductions, 3D printed work or AI generated imagery will be considered.

• ALL ARTWORK must be original, conceived and executed by the artist.  

• Submission deadline: March 5, 2026

• Notifications: March 12, 2026

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

• Opening Reception: March 19, 2026