The Continental Congress resolved in 1777 that “the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be thirteen starts, white in a blue field representing a new constellation.” Far from being a static symbol, the American flag has been rendered in countless configurations. It was not until Congress passed official standards in 1912 that the flag took on a fixed appearance.

Still, more than a century without guidelines established a tradition of personalizing the Stars and Stripes, letting it speak not just for a nation, but for a range of ideals, values, and ways of life. These expressions fascinate graphic designer Kit Hinrichs, who has amassed a collection of objections temporarily on display at the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno.

“Collection of Kit Hinrichs.  Object(s) on exhibit at the Nevada Museum of Art, Reno, Nevada.”