Judged Art Competition & Exhibition

The North Charleston Arts Fest invites fine artists to enter a judged exhibition and competition at the Charleston Area Convention Center from April 29 through May 3, 2026. Eligible entries are original, recently completed two-dimensional works in specified fine-art media. Cash awards totaling up to $6,550 are awarded at the judge’s discretion and are not guaranteed participant compensation.

Artists must be at least 18 and may submit no more than four entries. Entries must be original works completed within the last two years, not previously entered in this exhibition, and solely created by the artist without instructor assistance, artificial intelligence, copying, or infringement of others’ rights. Work must be two-dimensional, dry, on canvas, paper, or panel, and framed or gallery wrapped; it may not exceed 48 inches wide by 60 inches high by 3 inches deep. Each work must be securely wired for hanging and labeled with the artist’s name and phone number. Printed New Media must use digital technology or graphic software to create original artwork without AI and must be printed and ready for display. A non-refundable $10 fee applies per entry, payable at drop-off by cash, credit card, or check; with up to four entries, the total fee varies by the number submitted. Entries must be delivered to the convention center loading dock April 27 or 28 between noon and 7:00 p.m. All works must remain on display for the entire exhibition, with no early pickup. A 15% commission applies to exhibition sales. The sponsor may use images of the work or exhibition for publicity and may reject entries that violate the terms or are inappropriate for public exhibition. Awards totaling up to $6,550 are at the judge’s sole discretion, limited to one award per entry, with category awards and other awards ranging from $100 to $500, plus City Purchase Awards up to $2,000. Award checks require return of a W-9.