Mexican American Artist Makes Zarape Flags To Celebrate Her Two Cultures
Stars and stripes forever.
"I had a vision to combine my 2 cultures, and it became the 50-star Serape, or Zarape Flag," says Monica Marie, Mexican-American owner of Artsy Chica Boutique in San Juan Bautista, CA.
[Scroll to bottom for purchase info...]
The zarape originated with the Aztecs: wearable blankets dyed bright colors to please the gods and ward off evil spirits.
Each blanket was uniquely decorated with a design that identified the person's family, hometown, and social status, kind of like Scottish plaid. (In Scotland, each region or clan has it's own specific plaid pattern or "tartan.")
And we still rep our hometown, home team, or home state on our clothing. We take pride in our heritage and want to proclaim it, which is exactly what Monica had in mind when she created the Zarape Flag.
Monica has been making art ever since she can remember.
"I've always made art...I used to paint murals on my bedroom walls, and paint art for my home as an adult.
One day, she posted some pictures of her art on Facebook and people started asking her to make pieces for them. Soon, she was selling her work online.
Eventually, she decided it was time to open up her own shop, and the aptly named Artsy Chica Boutique was born.
Her shop is full of Mexican-mashups (especially Star Wars) and virgencita everything.
But the star of the show might be her signature zarape flag...
You don't have to make a trip out to her shop in San Juan Bautista to buy one (although I definitely would if you live nearby); you can order a flag in the color of your choice via direct message on Instagram, $60-70 plus shipping.
Click on any of the featured pictures to go to her profile, where you check out more artwork and all the different flag color options. You'll find order info in her Highlights, or send a direct message with any questions or to request a custom order.
Don't have Instagram? Visit her shop's Facebook page HERE.
Click HERE for directions to Artsy Chica Boutique.
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