If you've ever played a pen and paper RPG or read a D&D based fantasy novel, odds are you've seen Keith Parkinson's work. One of the greatest fantasy artists of our times, Parkinson also did covers for many computer games, including Everquest and its first three expansions, and was a founding member of Vanguard creator Sigil Games. Sadly Keith passed away in 2005 due to Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. In his honor, Sony Online Entertainment has now announced "The Masters of Fantasy Art - A Tribute to Keith Parkinson", an exhibition that will be featured at Art Institutes in five major U.S. cities between now and the end of July, starting in San Francisco.

"Our goal for 'The Masters of Fantasy Art' tour is to highlight the artistry that is integral to the creation of video games, as well as the influences of classical art on the industry as a whole," said Laura Naviaux, Senior Brand Manager, at Sony Online Entertainment. "By showcasing Keith Parkinson's work on the new 'Vanguard: Saga of Heroes' online videogame and joining up with The Art Institute, we hope to raise the public's awareness of computer and graphical arts as a discipline."

Being a big fan of Mr. Parkinson's work, I truly believe he deserves to be honored. The cynic in me, however, thinks it is highly suspect that this tour kicks off days after the launch of Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. Probably just a coincidence. Tour details follow. Michael Fahey

"The Masters Of Fantasy Art - A Tribute To Keith Parkinson" Art Tour Set To Travel To The Art Institute Galleries Across The Country

Tribute to Renowned Fantasy Artist Keith Parkinson to Demonstrate Classical Influence on Computer and Video Game Art

Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE), a global leader in the online games industry, and Sigil Games Online announced today an exhibition with The Art Institutes to bring "The Masters of Fantasy Art - A Tribute to Keith Parkinson" to five major cities across America. The tour will showcase the artwork of seminal artist Keith Parkinson as well as "Vanguard: Saga of HeroesTM," his posthumous masterpiece. Beginning this month in San Francisco, the tour is scheduled to be on display at The Art Institutes galleries across the country.

The Masters of Fantasy Art elegantly displays the convergence of fine art and technology in today's interactive entertainment industry. The late Keith Parkinson continues to act as art director in memorandum for Sigil Games Online. His artwork has directly influenced the artistic vision for "Vanguard: Saga of Heroes," a massively multiplayer online role-playing game that launched on January 30, 2007.

"Our goal for 'The Masters of Fantasy Art' tour is to highlight the artistry that is integral to the creation of video games, as well as the influences of classical art on the industry as a whole," said Laura Naviaux, Senior Brand Manager, at Sony Online Entertainment. "By showcasing Keith Parkinson's work on the new 'Vanguard: Saga of Heroes' online videogame and joining up with The Art Institute, we hope to raise the public's awareness of computer and graphical arts as a discipline."

"When we were approached to participate in this tribute to the late Keith Parkinson, we were thrilled at the idea of bringing the unique world of online video game art to a more mainstream audience," said John Mazzoni, President, The Art Institutes. "We are staunch supporters of artists in all genres and understand the importance of increasing public awareness and interest of art, and being able to do that while paying tribute to a renowned fantasy artist is an honor for us."

"Commercial fantasy artwork, be it on book covers or in video games is often overlooked as an art form. I am excited to help, through my father's art, shine the spotlight on not only his works but the teams of hardworking and immensely talented artists who make these worlds truly come alive," said Nick Parkinson, son of Keith Parkinson, and Community Manager for "Vanguard: Saga of Heroes."

"The Masters of Fantasy Art - A Tribute to Keith Parkinson" is scheduled to be on exhibition at the following locations and dates:

February 2 - 26
The Art Institute of California - San Francisco
1170 Market St. (at U.N. Plaza)
San Francisco, CA 94102
888- 493-3261
http://www.artinstitutes.edu/sanfrancisco/

March 6- April 2
The Art Institute of Las Vegas
2350 Corporate Circle
Henderson, Nevada 89074-7737
702-369-9944
http://www.artinstitutes.edu/arlington/

April 9- April 27
The Art Institute of Washington
1820 North Fort Myer Dr.
Arlington, VA 22209-1802
877-303-3771
http://www.artinstitutes.edu/arlington/

May 8 - May 25
The Art Institute of New York City
11-17 Beach Street
New York, NY 10013
(in TriBeCa, near corner of Varick)
800.654.2433
http://www.artinstitutes.edu/newyork/

June 4 - July 31
The Art Institute of California - San Diego
7650 Mission Valley Road
San Diego, CA 92108
800-591-2422
http://www.artinstitutes.edu/sandiego/

About Keith Parkinson
Trained as a classical artist, Keith Parkinson created well-known fantasy art images and book covers serving as the hallmark art style for the fantasy genre. His early work included book covers for the top-selling "Dragonlance," "Forgotten Realms," and "Gamma World." He also painted covers for best-selling fantasy writers Terry Goodkind, Margaret Weis, and Terry Brooks. Turning toward technology, Keith began work in the video games industry creating artwork for the original "EverQuest," an incredibly successful and genre-defining online role-playing game. He later joined Sigil Games Online working as art director to create the artistic vision behind "Vanguard: Saga of Heroes" before his death in 2005. For more information about Keith Parkinson, or to preview his paintings, log on to www.keithparkinson.com

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