Monster Mania Artist Commentary - Wichita Monster

I live in Wichita, Kansas, and this Monster Mania drawing is my attempt at showing my Wichita pride. The Monster’s head is shaped like Kansas and its t-shirt proudly displays the Wichita Flag. 

Around 2015, Wichita developed a cult-like obsession with the Wichita flag. This sudden burst of Wichita pride compelled Wichitans to put the flag on everything everywhere all at once. They painted dozens of murals. They got tattoos. They printed the Wichita flag on every coffee mug, t-shirt and tote bag they could find. They put the flag on bumper stickers and license plates and keychains. The Wichita flag became omnipresent. 

The Wichita flag is watching me type this right now.  

The Wichita flag was officially adopted on Flag Day, June 14, 1937, by Mayor T. Walker Weaver. The flag was designed by Wichita artist Cecil McAlister. ​According to McAlister, he drew inspiration from several sources including traditional symbols from Plains Tribes. McAlister’s design was selected from more than 100 entries that were submitted for a city flag design contest held by the American Legion. For his winning submission, McAlister received $40. The first Wichita flag was produced by local seamstress Mary J. Harper. It flew for the first time on July 23, 1937, over City Hall, which was then located at 204 S. Main. The red and white rays depict the path of freedom to come and go as one pleases. The blue sun represents happiness and contentment. The white Native American Hogan symbol signifies “permanent home."







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