{A few years ago John Nakamura Remy introduced me to the Spectrum art annuals and my life has not been quite the same since.  Thank you John!}

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In 1993 Cathy and Arnie Fenner established Spectrum to showcase the incredible wealth of artists creating fantastic themed imagery.  A call for entries was sent out, a jury selected, and in 1994 Spectrum 1 was published. Since then a new collection has come out every year, each a stunning display of fantasy, science fiction, horror, and “otherwise uncategorizable”  artwork. (Check them out!)

Now, finally,  Spectrum is going live:

“It’s time for the creators of fantastic art to have an event they can call their own. It’s time to step away from the periphery of the comics, SF and media-focused “pop-culture”, conventions; it’s time to reinforce the excitement, influence, and value of fantastic art to the public via a first-class venue; it’s time to gather for educational opportunities, for networking opportunities, for social opportunities, and for sales opportunities in a centrally situated, cost-effective location. It’s time we try to grow the market, not shrink it. It’s time for a fantastic art convergence.”

When: May 18-20, 2012

Where: Kansas City, MO.  (Bartle Hall Convention Center)

Cost: $20 for a single day, $40 for the three day membership
(Purchase membership) (Or.. an exhibitor table 🙂 )

“Perhaps the most unique aspect of Spectrum Fantastic Art Live! will be its focus. It won’t be a comics convention or a science fiction con or a movie/TV convention or a gaming convention or a hotel/motel art sale or a flea market. Comic artists and SF artists and movie concept artists, artists of all stripes and sensibilities—as well as a percentage of art-specialist publishers, print retailers, and original art dealers will be welcomed and afforded the chance to sell their work, meet fans, and expand an appreciation for our field.”

Workshops, portfolio reviews, educational opportunities, and networking.  Plus an amazing line-up of guest artists and exhibitors:

For more info follow Spectrum Fantastic Art Live on twitter @SFantasticAL and Facebook.

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Spectrum 18 cover by J.S. Rossbach

spectrum 19 poster by Rebecca Guay

Going back to the publications, Spectrum 18 is the most current issue available (here’s a peek inside) and artwork for the upcoming Spectrum 19 is being juried right now. (Greg Manchess discusses that process).  Winners will be announced at a special event during Spectrum Fantastic Art Live!  I am very much looking forward to that.

To conclude, a few words from the Fenners, who started this whole thing:

“Spectrum doesn’t exist to categorize or define fantastic art; rather, it exists to honor the imaginations of very special artists who delight in helping us see the world in a wonderfully different light. It’s our job to help them reach a wider appreciative audience.”