CONvergence is proud to feature award-winning fantasy artist Ruth Thompson as a Guest of Honor in 2000. Through her company, Tarnished Images, Ruth has created artwork depicting elves, wizards, warriors, heroes, heroines, wolves, dragons, fairies, unicorns, as well as many other mythical creatures and subjects. Ruth Thompson's artwork has been featured in trading card games, fantasy games, and many major publications.

Ruth started out drawing the characters of her college AD&D group, and after "escaping" the University of Alabama she began her own business.

Ruth's first book cover contract came in January of 1996, and she has been painting book covers since then for Royal Fireworks Press (a children's book publisher in New York). In addition to averaging more than a cover per month, Ruth creates 10-15 new works for self-publication each year along with commission paintings and other contract work for card games, fantasy games, and magazines. She can also be seen at Science Fiction / Fantasy Conventions and Medieval Renaissance Festivals around the country.

Some of the companies Ruth has worked for include Wizards of the Coast (for Magic the Gathering), TSR, Iron Crown Enterprises (ICE), Royal Fireworks Press, Dragon Magazine, Palliard Press, Steve Jackson Games, and many more.

For more information on Ruth Thompson and her work, check out her web site at http://www.tarnishedimages.com.