FOLEY, Ala. — South Baldwin County residents still have time to let their voices be heard in the sixth annual Lighthouse Art Competition.

That’s because the public has the opportunity to vote in one category.

“We have a People’s Choice award,” said Bonnie Blaylock, director of the Performing Arts Association of Foley, during a phone interview.

Art enthusiasts have until Thursday afternoon to stop by the competition, which is housed in the Performing Arts Association of Foley, located at 116 W. Laurel Ave. in Foley.

Once the voting is complete, the winner will be announced during the competition’s reception and award ceremony, which is scheduled for 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Thursday at the center.

“We’ll have light refreshments,” Blaylock said.

In addition to the People’s Choice, additional awards will be presented. Those awards could be for any type of artwork.

“We have everything from sculpture to acrylic and oil painting to photography,” Blaylock said.

So exactly how many pieces does that entail?

“Last year, there were 62 entries,” Blaylock said. “We are hoping to double that this year.”

Those entries are from artists in both Baldwin and Escambia counties.

Admission to Thursday’s reception and competition is free. The only fee involved was for contest entries, all of which will be used to benefit the Lighthouse of Baldwin and Escambia counties.

“It’s basically a fundraiser for Lighthouse,” Blaylock said. “This is one way artists can give.”

She explained that the timing of the fundraiser for the center that works with victims of domestic abuse.

“This is Sexual Assault Awareness Month,” Blaylock said.

She added that when she, along with Joanne Shields and Jenny Summers came up with the idea in 2007, the fundraiser started out pretty small.

“The first year, we had 12 entries,” Blaylock said.

Since then, the event has grown.

“Over the past six years, we’ve raised several thousand dollars for Lighthouse,” Blaylock said. “It’s amazing to see how it’s blossomed.”

Even if area art enthusiasts don’t make it to Thursday’s event, they’ll still have plenty of time to see the contest entries.

“We leave the competition up through the month of April,” Blaylock said.

For more information, call 251-943-4381 or visit www.foleyartcenter.com.