The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce (SBCC) is putting out the call for artists for the 19th-annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival poster.

The 2022 festival seems like it was yesterday, but the SBCC is busy planning 2023's event. The three-day event is scheduled to take place May 4-6, 2023, at OWA Parks & Resort in Foley.

The festival committee is currently seeking the artist who will be commissioned to create the feature artwork for the poster and T-shirt for the 2023 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival. Each year, the festival gets bigger and the interest from artists increases.

"We usually have between five to eight submissions each year and in 2021 we received eight submissions," said South Baldwin Chamber Event Director Rachel Spear. "The committee is hopefully to have around 10 entries this year as we have seen a large interest from artists since the contest opened."

The winning artist receives a $500 commission and will have the opportunity to have a booth at the event where guests can meet the artist and get their posters signed.

"I can imagine it must be a great feeling to look around and see your artwork everywhere," Spear said. "The artwork that is selected is used on all T-shirt designs, posters and is incorporated into marketing materials."

Interested artists are encouraged to contact Spear to confirm their interest. Sketches should be submitted by Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022.

To be considered, the following criteria must be met:

• Artwork must be original by artist.
• Artist must be 18 years old or older.
• Theme should include hot air balloons, art, music and the Gulf Coast.
• Name of the festival should be included in artwork: 19th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival.
• Year should be included in the artwork: 2023.
• Foley, AL should be included.
• Artist should use bold PMS or Panton true colors.
• Actual size of the commissioned poster after production will not exceed 18 inches horizontal and 24 inches vertical.
• If selected, artist agrees to relinquish ownership of artwork.
• If selected, artwork becomes sole property of Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival and the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and may or may not be used in any manner the Chamber desires without further compensation to the artist.
• If selected, commissioned artist will receive one payment of $500.

"We love seeing all the amazing concepts each year and showcasing the talent behind them," Spear said. "We love seeing a variety of work. Most common submissions have been digital graphic art, but personally, some of my favorite pieces have been hand painted or drawn."

Interested artists should contact Spear with their interest by emailing rachel@southbaldwinchamber.com or call (251) 943-5550. Submissions should be delivered to the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce at 200 N. Alston St., Foley or mailed to P.O. Box 1117, Foley, AL 36536.

For more information about the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival or OWA Parks & Resort, visit gulfcoastballoonfestival.com or VisitOWA.com.