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