The LaGrange Southeast Regional traces its roots to the LaGrange National Competition which began in 1964 when a competitive show known as the Gardens Art Festival was organized and sponsored by the Chattahoochee Valley Art Association, LaGrange College and Callaway Gardens. In 1974, the competition was moved to LaGrange, took the name LaGrange National, and was expanded from a regional to a national show. In 1984, the competition expanded again and displayed in two locations, with the Chattahoochee Valley Art Association Museum and the Lamar Dodd Art Center, of LaGrange College.

Over the years, the LaGrange National earned an excellent reputation numerous distinguished jurors including Lloyd Goodrich, Richard Lahey, Carl Holty, Joseph Rishel, Larry Poons, Jane Livingston, Cynthia McCabe, Linda Cathcart, Ted Potter, Roy Slade, Henry Hopkins, Patterson Sims, Peter Mirin, Siri Engberg, Benny Andrews, Robert Lyon, Jane Jackson, Eleanor Heartney, J. Richard Gruber, Robert E. Steele, Annette Cone-Skelton, Deanna Sirlin, David Houston, Curlee Raven Holton, Daricia Mia DeMarr, and this year Hannah Israel.

The Fifth LaGrange Southeast Regional is a juried competition open to all artists in the southeast over 18 years of age. Eligible states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. All work must be original and completed within the last two years. The sponsors are the final authority on eligibility. Purchase Awards will be made. The purchased works are added to the permanent collection of the sponsors. The Juror will present Merit Awards to a limited number of works.

Photography by Lori Mitchum included.