Submission deadline: March 5, 2026
March 19th - May 14th, 2026
Opening reception: March 19, 2026
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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.
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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 frame3D Artwork (pedestal work)
Maximum size 18” x 18” x 36” highFloor 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.
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Submission deadline: March 5, 2026
Notifications: March 12, 2026
Drop-off artwork @ CSA: March 14, 2026, 10am - 4pm
Opening Reception: March 19, 2026