FOLEY, Alabama  -- The Eighth Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is seeking an artist to be commissioned to produce the official festival artwork used for the t-shirt, poster and advertising for the festival. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winning submissions: first place is $250, second place is $150, and third place is $100.

Art will be displayed in the Performing Arts Association front gallery during the month of June 2012. All artwork must be presented as "ready to hang" in the PAA front gallery. Framing and matting is not required, but is suggested.

Criteria for consideration is: 1) artwork must be original by artist, 2) eligible artist must be a senior in high school or older, 3) theme should include hot air balloon(s), art, music, and the Alabama Gulf Coast, 4) the following information should be included in artwork: Eighth Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival 2012, Foley, Ala.

Artists should use bold colors. Actual size of the commissioned poster after production will not exceed 18 inches horizontal and 24 inches vertical. If selected, the artist agrees to relinquish ownership of artwork and artwork becomes sole property of Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival and South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce.

Artwork may be used in any manner the Chamber desires without further compensation to the artist. A non-refundable submission fee of $5.00 will be required. Makes checks payable to South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce.

The committee has a strict timeline. Artists are asked to submit entries by March 31. For more information please contact Kristin Roberson at (251) 943-5590 or e-mail kristin@southbaldwinchamber.com.

Submissions should be delivered to the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce at 112 W. Laurel Ave., Foley, Ala., 36535 or mailed to P.O. Box 1117, Foley, Ala., 36536.