FOLEY, Ala. — The Performing Arts Association will hold the second annual art competition, in connection with The Lighthouse, in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The reception for the show will be April 5 at the Performing Arts Gallery from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will honor the artists who submitted work into the competition.

The goal of the competition is to bring attention to sexual assault and healthy relationships, said Jerry Sommer, executive director at The Lighthouse.

The association is still accepting artwork. The entry fee is $25, and the deadline to have art turned in is Tuesday, April 1. Art work will hang through the month of April, and the gallery is allowing artists to pickup their work after the exhibit.

Any medium can be used for the art; pieces accepted include paintings, photography and sculpture. Judges will be looking for the quality of the artwork, subject matter, and the artwork that is most appealing, according to Bonnie Blaylock, board member for the Performing Arts Gallery.

Awards will be given out at the reception for first, second and third places. One award will be given to the piece that best represents healthy relationships. A People’s Choice award will also be included.

Artwork can be for sale, and if the artist chooses to donate the money made from a sale to The Lighthouse, the art gallery will forfeit the 25 percent commission.

The Lighthouse is a non-profit social service agency that provides sexual assault aid to Baldwin and Escambia counties. Services offered include rape crisis management, and education on preventing sexual assault and domestic abuse.

“Last year we provided services to more than 100 women,” said Sommer.

All proceeds for the event will be donated to The Lighthouse. Sponsors for the event include: Gulf Shores Women’s Club, Southern Charm, JoAnne Shiels, Christine’s Alteration Shop, Two Sassy Cups Tearoom and Cain’s/ Piggly Wiggly.

Applications for the competition can be picked up at the Performing Arts Gallery, 119 West Laurel Ave.

To RSVP to the reception, contact Bonnie Blaylock, 251-968-1787, or Marianne Hawkins, 251-967-3212.