Beatles Art Contest
Save the date!
Beatles Art Contest, EXHIBITION & SALE
Celebrate the music, culture, creativity, and lasting influence of The Beatles and the 1960s through original artwork by artists of all ages and experience levels.
The Beatles Art Contest at FabFest invites artists to explore not only the iconic imagery of The Beatles, but also the spirit of an era that transformed music, art, fashion, culture, and creative expression around the world.
From painting and photography to sculpture, illustration, and open media, selected artwork will be exhibited and available for sale during festival weekend.
SAVE THE DATES!
2026 Beatles Art Contest, Exhibition & Sale is Saturday, October 3. Each artwork may be entered into the contest twice, excluding past winners. There is no limit on the number of times an artwork may be submitted for the exhibition-only or exhibition+sale options. Entry fees are waived for youth artwork, donated art and exhibition-only art.
Adult deadline: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 - See below and save the dates for artwork drop-off and pick-up windows.
Youth deadline: Friday, September 25, 2026 - FREE! Entry fees are waived for youth artists age 17 and younger. Art teachers entering student collections of youth artwork can coordinate directly with Becky Keenan at [email protected].
How to Enter: Review the categories, deadlines, and submission guidelines below before registering your artwork.
2026 EXHIBITION DETAILS
WHERE
Parr Center
Central Piedmont Community College
1201 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204
(this address is for art drop-off only
- for festival parking see venues)
FabFest Daytime is FREE for all to attend!
WHEN
Art Drop-off
Friday Oct 2, 2026, 8:30am to 12:30pm
Artwork Displayed
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10am to 5pm
Awards Ceremony
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10:30am-11:00am
Join us as we celebrate all of the participating artists and announce the winners from the Come Together Stage.
CONTACT
[email protected]
2025 Contest, EXHIBITION & SALE
The 2025 juried Beatles Art Contest took place Saturday, October 4, 2025 at CPCC's Parr Center. Professional and amateur artists from age 8 to 72 submitted 80 artworks for FabFest 2025! Thanks to 2025 sponsors Frame Warehouse and Harris Holt Framing & Art, more than $3,000 in cash prizes were awarded, including Best in Show Awards for one adult ($1,000) and one youth ($200).
New in 2025, we invited artists to expand their vision of the Beatles’ influence on music, art, and culture!
From psychedelic style to cultural revolution, the Beatles helped shape the 1960s and beyond! Their music, messages and legacy continue to inspire new generations of artists (see this article, video, or free movie to learn.)
We sought art that interprets how the Beatles influenced and were influenced by the world around them — all the themes of the era were fair game! Fashion, freedom, equality, revolution, innovation, spirituality, cultural exchange, love, peace, and change — the whole ‘60s vibe! See the 2025 event program here: desktop or mobile
2025 Beatles Art Contest Awards
Best in Show Awards
Adult Art - $1,000
Youth Art - $200
Best In Show winning artists have the opportunity to exhibit at the Dilworth Artisan Station Art Crawl.
Category 1: Paintings
- Professional
- 1st Place $500
- 2nd Place $300
- Amateur
- 1st Place $200
- 2nd Place $100
Category 2: Other Art
- Professional
- 1st Place $500
- 2nd Place $300
- Amateur
- 1st Place $200
- 2nd Place $100
Youth (All Mediums)
- Ages 13-17
- 1st Place $100
- 2nd Place $50
- 12 & Younger
- 1st Place $50
- 2nd Place $25
2025 Judges & Judging Criteria
MIRIAM DURKIN
Miriam Durkin Fine Art
MARY KAMERER
Mary Kamerer Impressionist Painting
ANGELA LUBINECKY
Angela Lubinecky Fine Art
JODI LYNN MCNEELY
Jodi Lynn Pottery
TWO CONTEST CATEGORIES
CATEGORY 1: PAINTINGS
Art created by applying paint or pigment on canvas, canvas board, paper or any flat surface.
Examples (including but not limited to): Oil, Pastel, Acrylic, Ink, Gouache
CATEGORY 2: OTHER ART (ANY MEDIUM)
Examples (including but not limited to): Ceramics, Glass, Metal, Fashion, Fiber, Wood, Sculpture, Digital or Graphic Design
Judging Criteria:
- Communication of theme
- Creativity and originality
- Aesthetic appeal
- Quality of artistic composition and overall design
- Technique and craftsmanship
- Relevance to 1960s cultural influence (new!)
Thank You 2025 Beatles Art Contest Sponsors!
PRESENTING SPONSOR
BEST IN SHOW SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
The header photo at the top of this page is from a street mural by Eduardo Kobra - see more on the story of this stunning mural, and visit @kobrastreetart to see more of his work.