Flags are so everywhere and ever-present that we often barely notice them. But focused through a collector's vision and a photographer's eye, the good old red, white, and blue brings a smile, a memory, a tear and a lump to our throats. The flag is more than a symbol: it is art. And here are 200 artists' and designers' renditions of the ultimate symbol of freedom jewelry, vintage collectibles, folk art, and more. AUTHOR: Mary Emmerling, decor expert, style maker, and queen of antiques fairs and festivals, is the author of more than 30 books on American country decorating and collecting. Her most recent books (with Jim Arndt) include Art of the Buckle, Art of the Heart and Art of the Skull. She lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. Reed Davis is a fashion, lifestyle, interior and still life photography artist.

He grew up in the Midwest and now lives and works in New York and Los Angeles. His work has appeared in House Beautiful, Country Home, Better Homes and Gardens, Food & Wine, Fit Pregnancy, GQ, Elle, and Marie Claire. 200 colour photographs.