It might be 50 degrees outside, but winter is in full swing at Ltd. Art Gallery on Capitol Hill. Earlier this month, the pop-cultural venue, started in 2011 by Melissa and James Monosmith, opened “Winter Is Coming,” a show inspired by George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, the book series that Game of Thrones is based on. The Monosmiths, with help from the godly author himself, prepared the show for more than a year; their hard work paid off, as it was the largest opening in the gallery’s history.

“Winter Is Coming” is a show for fans by fans. Wanting to dedicate an exhibition to ASoIaF, James, a huge fan, was audacious enough to e-mail Martin—who, surprisingly, responded, saying he loved the idea. Thus began a year of correspondence, discussing artists and logistics. Martin, a fantasy-art fan, had a few artists in mind, but also wanted to make sure that people from all over had a chance to enter their work, so an open call was launched. From hundreds of submissions, they chose a select few. Although the artists’ media and locations vary, they all have one thing in common: They’re all massive ASoIaF fans.

Stepping into “Winter Is Coming” sweeps you into an ASoIaF fandom paradise. The artists are as passionate about the material as the fan base buying the art. Local artist Siolo Thompson was determined to be included, joking that “I knew I needed to be in that show even if I had to sneak my piece in.” This passion translates into art that fans connect with. If you’re not a fan, the meanings and subtleties could be lost in translation; however, the variations of artistic styles used to capture ASoIaF are so vast that you don’t have to be. But it’ll help.

geeklyreport@seattleweekly.com

WINTER IS COMING Ltd. Art Gallery, 307 E. Pike St., ltdartgallery.com. 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Tues.–Sat., noon–6 p.m. Sun. Ends March 23.