“Spectrum” is on display at the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators. Featuring the best contemporary “fantastic” art from renowned fantasy, science fiction, horror, and surreal artists from around the world. September 1 through October 17, 2009. The Museum of American Illustration is proud to announce an exhibit featuring the top fantastic artists from around the world as seen in the annual SPECTRUM. Created in 1993 by Cathy and Arnie Fenner to showcase fantastic-themed art work, Spectrum is now the leading resource for art directors, art buyers, and fans of the genre. Selected pieces are chosen by top jurors in the field and images are produced in the full color book printed annually.

The SPECTRUM exhibit features a selection of over 120 works from both legendary artists and talented newcomers from the last four annuals. Divided into seven categories, the exhibit showcases multi-media works including original art in both traditional and digital medium, video, 3D, comics and graphic novels. Artists include Julie Bell, Kinuko Y. Craft, Eric Fortune, William Basso, Brom, James Gurney, Tony DiTerlizzi, Terese Nielsen, Yuko Shimizu, Michael Whelan, Donato Giancola, John Jude Palencar, Phil Hale and many more. The artwork will be on display from September 1 through October 17, 2009.

Spectrum 16 “Institutional” Silver Award Winner “Progenitus” by Jaime Jones, a badass piece of art for Magic The Gathering’s Confulx set, and hopefully on display at The Society of Illustrators’ Spectrum Exhibit.

The annual Spectrum antologies are consistently some of my favorite annual books, and never disappoint.  If you’re a fan of the art of the fantastic-  science fiction, fantasy, comics, what have you-  they provide a wonderful overview of the year’s best and brightest.  It’s also a terrific resource if you’re looking to being hipped onto new talent, as I’ve discovered countless new artists who’ve now turned into staunch favorites through the series.

In addition to being food for your imagination and a swell use of your free time, visiting Spectrum supports a good cause, as a portion of the admission proceeds will be donated to the SOI’s team in the “Light the Night Walk, ” an event benefitting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in memory of comic book artist, illustrator, and Rocketeer creator Dave Stevens, who tragically passed away last year following a bout with the disease.

Go forth and enjoy the visual feast for a good cause, folks.