Steeplechase Children's Art Show

Steeplechase & Children’s Art Contest History

Founded in 1985, Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens has become one of the region’s most recognized sporting and cultural traditions. Established by Mason Houghland Lampton, the nonprofit event was created to bring the tradition of steeplechase racing to the Chattahoochee Valley while also giving back to the community through support of the arts. Over the past four decades, Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens has welcomed generations of families and visitors while raising more than $4 million in support of local arts and cultural organizations, including the Columbus Museum, Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Historic Columbus Foundation, RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Springer Opera House, and the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation.

From the beginning, Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens was always meant to be more than just a day at the races. The event was created as a way to bring people together, celebrate tradition and hospitality, and support the arts and culture that help strengthen the community. Inspired by Mason Lampton’s lifelong involvement in foxhunting and steeplechasing traditions, including connections to the Iroquois Memorial Steeplechase in Nashville and the Hardscuffle Steeplechase in Kentucky, Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens brought a unique sporting tradition to the region while establishing a lasting charitable mission centered around the arts.

During the 1994-1995 Steeplechase season, the organization introduced the Student Art Contest, now known as the Children’s Art Contest. Created to encourage creativity and showcase the artistic talents of local youth, the contest has grown into a long-standing regional tradition welcoming participation from K-12 students across the Chattahoochee Valley. Today, the contest remains an important part of Steeplechase’s mission to support and celebrate the arts through public exhibitions, awards recognition, and partnerships with cultural institutions such as The Columbus Museum.

Today, Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens continues to serve as a multigenerational community tradition that blends sport, hospitality, philanthropy, and the arts. Under the leadership of Race Chairman Mason Hardaway Lampton, the organization remains committed to preserving the traditions that have shaped the event for more than 40 years while continuing to support arts organizations, young artists, and cultural programming throughout the Chattahoochee Valley.

Highlights from last year included the successful execution of the 41st running of Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens under new leadership, continued support of six local arts beneficiaries, expanded regional marketing and audience outreach efforts, and the annual Children’s Art Contest and exhibition partnership with The Columbus Museum.

Initiatives for this year include the planning and execution for the 42nd running of Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens, continued growth of the Children’s Art Contest across regional school systems, enhanced community and tourism outreach efforts, and ongoing support of arts and cultural programming for people of all ages throughout the region.