Beatles Art Contest
FabFest Daytime
Beatles Art Contest, EXHIBITION & SALE
Art inspired by the Beatles and the music, culture, and spirit of the 1960s.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Parr Center at CPCC
Registration Now Open
Adult deadline:
Wed., September, 16, 2026
Youth deadline:
Fri., September 25, 2026
Beatles Art Contest continues to grow as a regional arts experience and vibrant part of FabFest.
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
FabFest invites artists to explore the iconic imagery of the Beatles and the spirit of the 60s and the creative and cultural movement they inspired.
Learn about how the music, messages and legacy of the Fab Four continue to inspire new generations of artists. See this article, video, or documentary.
Artists are also encouraged to interpret the broader influence of the Beatles and the 1960s — music, fashion, freedom, equality, spirituality, and cultural change. All the themes of the era are fair game!
WHY ENTER
- Sell your artwork online and at the festival
- Citywide festival exposure
- Professionally juried exhibition
- $3,675 in 14 cash awards
- Professional, amateur & youth divisions
- All mediums, ages and experience levels welcome
- Connect with peers and mentors in a festive setting
- Enjoy all the free festival music and activities
2026 CONTEST & EXHIBITION DETAILS
CONTEST
Artists may submit up to two original artworks to be juried for the 2026 Beatles Art Contest. All accepted contest entries will be exhibited.
Artwork from previous years is eligible to be reentered into the contest a second year for one additional jury consideration, excluding past winners.
See the full Artist Agreement here.
SALE
Artists can offer their artwork for sale at the festival and in the online gallery, or list art as not for sale.
Artwork from previous years may also be reentered for the exhibition, or for both the exhibit and art sale.
Entry fee is $20 for one artwork, $35 for two, and applies to all adult art.
YOUTH DIVISION
Entry fees are waived for youth artists ages 17 and younger.
Student collections will be exhibited together with recognition displayed for the teacher and/or school.
Art educators can coordinate directly with Becky Keenan at [email protected].
IMPORTANT DATES
Art Drop-off
Friday Oct. 2, 2026
8:30am to 12:30pm
Art Pick-up
Saturday, Oct. 5, 2026
5 - 6pm
-or-
Sunday, Oct. 6, 2026
9:30am - 12:30pm
DROP-OFF LOCATION
Central Piedmont Parking Lot 5
306 N. Kings Drive
Charlotte, NC 28204
Please note: this address is for drop-off only.
For free festival parking, see venues.
EXHIBITION DAY
Artwork Displayed
Parr Center at CPCC
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
10:00am to 5:00pm
Awards Ceremony
Come Together Stage (indoors)
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
10:00am-11:00am
Please arrive early to park.
Venue parking & map
INVITE FRIENDS & FAMILY
Join us as we celebrate all of the participating artists and give awards to this year's winners.
Light refreshments will be provided during the ceremony.
A group photo is taken of artists together before ribbons are placed.
FabFest is FREE for all to attend!
2026 Beatles Art Contest Awards
Best in Show Awards
Adult Art - $1,000
Youth Art - $250
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: Open Media
- 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
TWO CONTEST CATEGORIES
Both categories include a Professional
& Amateur Division.
CATEGORY 1: PAINTINGS
Art created using paint or pigment on canvas, paper, wood panel, or another flat surface. Examples:
Oil • Acrylic • Watercolor • Ink • Pastel • Gouache
CATEGORY 2: OPEN MEDIA
All other artistic mediums and creative forms. Examples:
Photography • Sculpture • Ceramics • Fiber • Metal • Wood • Digital Art • Mixed Media • Collage • Fashion • Glass • Graphic Design
Judging Criteria
Artwork will be evaluated on:
- Communication of theme
- Creativity and originality
- Aesthetic appeal
- Composition and overall design
- Technique and craftsmanship
- Relevance to Beatles / 1960s cultural influence
MEET THE JUDGES
Artists and arts professionals from across Charlotte's art community.
Mikel Frank
A lifelong arts professional, Mikel brings 29 years of experience at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to his role as judge. Now based in Charlotte, he teaches art, has a studio at the VAPA Center, and serves on the board of the Guild of Charlotte Artists. His work celebrates collaboration and a deep love of the artistic process. mikelfrank.com
John Komisin
Artist and architect John Komisin paints abstracted cityscapes that capture the energy and vitality of urban life. Working primarily in oil with palette knives, he draws on his architectural background to build rich textures and dynamic compositions. John is represented by Carolina Fine Art in Charlotte and Tianova Gallery in Savannah, and currently serves as President of the Guild of Charlotte Artists. johnkomisinfineart.com
Angela Lubinecky
Raised in Ethiopia, Uganda, and Kenya by adventurous parents, Angela brings a richly multicultural perspective to her art. Educated in Germany, France, England, and at UCLA — where she earned a degree in World Arts and Cultures — she now calls Charlotte home. Her visual work is rooted in a life lived across continents and cultures. lolangi.com
Tina Gwata Vincent
An award-winning artist from Zimbabwe, Tina is best known for her "Women of Color" paper mâché sculptures — vibrant celebrations of diverse beauty, community, and the bonds between women. Her work, collected across the country, draws on a childhood shaped by the natural landscapes of Zimbabwe and the colorful architecture of the Dominican Republic where she lived growing up. tinagvincent.com
Two additional judges for the Youth Division will be announced soon.
Becky Keenan, Art Director
Becky Keenan first brought her love of the Beatles and passion for art to FabFest in 2021, volunteering and exhibiting her own portrait of John Lennon. She generously offered to coordinate the next Beatles Art Contest pro bono, and has been an incredible partner ever since! Becky's worked passionately to expand the opportunity for artists of all ages, mediums and skill levels, adding new sponsors, awards, and volunteers each year.
Becky is also Founder and Executive Director of Artful Narrative, a Charlotte nonprofit using the arts to open conversations about mental health and foster human connection. As an artist, curator, and arts advocate, her expressive portraits and narrative work have been exhibited throughout the region including in the permanent collection of Atrium Health. artfulnarrativestudio.com
THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 CONTEST SPONSORS
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.