The Sixth LaGrange Southeast Regional Biennial Competition, presented by the LaGrange Art Museum and the Lamar Dodd Art Center, continues a distinguished tradition of celebrating and advancing contemporary artistic practice throughout the Southeast. The exhibition provides audiences in West Georgia and East Alabama with access to exceptional contemporary art while offering participating artists valuable opportunities for exhibition, recognition, and inclusion in institutional collections. Through the generous support of the Callaway Foundation, purchase awards further strengthen the growing collections of contemporary American art held by both institutions.
Selected from 1,161 works submitted by 338 artists, this year’s exhibition features 129 works by 95 artists representing 11 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
This exhibition celebrates the vital role artists play in communities across the region and highlights the unique experiences, places, and perspectives that shape their work. Through this continued collaboration, the Biennial strengthens the region’s creative community and provides an important platform for artists whose work contributes to the evolving story of contemporary art in the Southeast.
Overview
The LaGrange Southeast Regional traces its roots to the LaGrange National Competition, which began in 1964 as the Gardens Art Festival, organized 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, Hannah Israel, and Melissa Messina.
Key Dates
• Delivery of Accepted Work: August 15 – September 5, 2026
• Exhibition Dates: September 19, 2026 – January 16, 2027
• Opening Receptions: September 19, 2026 | 6–9 PM
• Pick-up/Return of Work: January 17 – January 30, 2027
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CATEGORIES
You must indicate which category your submission falls under for each individual entry. You may enter more than one category, just be sure to include the category you have selected along with each submission’s detail requirements. Select the category for your work that you think is appropriate.
• Drawing
• Painting
• Printmaking
• Sculpture
• Photography
• Ceramics
• Mixed Media
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ELIGIBILITY
• Open to artists 18 years or older living in the Southeast:
Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia
• Work must be:
o Original
o Completed within the last two years
Sponsors reserve final authority on eligibility.
AI-Generated Art
Works or images that are substantially or fully generated by AI are not eligible for exhibition, sale, or competition.
AI-Assisted Art
Works that use AI tools as part of a human-led creative process may be accepted, provided the artist’s input clearly predominates. Artists must be able to describe how AI was used and demonstrate substantial creative control.
Disclosure
Artists must disclose if AI was used in any part of the creation process. Submissions including AI should include a note such as: “This work includes AI-assisted elements as part of the artist’s creative process.”
The LaGrange Art Museum reserves the right to request clarification or documentation when needed.
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Awards
• Purchase Awards (works added to permanent collections)
• Merit Awards selected by the juror
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Exhibition Details
• Works selected will be exhibited at one of the two venues
• Artists will be notified of their assigned venue upon acceptance, this is where the selected work will be displayed.
• No substitutions or withdrawals after acceptance
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Presentation Requirements
2D Work (Painting, Drawing, Printmaking)
• Maximum size: 84 inches (height or width)
• Must be:
o Framed or have museum-finished edges
o Ready to hang with wire
• Works on paper:
o Must be matted (white or off-white)
o Under plastic glazing (no glass)
3D Work (Sculpture, Ceramics, Mixed Media)
• Maximum size: 6 feet in any direction
• Maximum weight: 300 pounds
• Installation work:
o Must be installed and de-installed by the artist, or provide detailed instructions
o Must be removed by January 30, 2027
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Sales, Reproduction & Catalog
• No commission charged on sales
• Sponsors will connect interested buyers with artists, no commission will be charged for this service.
• Accepted works may be reproduced for publicity and catalog
• Exhibitors receive a complimentary catalog
• Additional copies available for $10
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Delivery & Return of Work
Artists will be notified which venue will receive their work:
• LaGrange Art Museum
• Lamar Dodd Art Center
Shipping Requirements:
• Deliver between August 10–30, 2026
• Artists must:
o Pay shipping costs to the venue
o Prepay return shipping
o Provide shipping instructions
• No COD shipments accepted
• Work must be shipped in reusable packaging
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Liability and Insurance
Museum personnel will take all reasonable precautions to ensure protection of submitted work while it is in their custody. Your work will be insured for the duration of the exhibition and storage. Neither the sponsors nor personnel connected to the exhibition assume liability for damage incurred or loss of work while in transit. You should insure your work when shipping. All works will be returned in their original shipping materials.