Artist: Esther Merino

Medium: Textile

Titles: La Florista (The Flower Girl), Andean women collect flowers daily to take them to the market or sell them on the city streets. You will see them carrying their flowers wrap around their backs.

Tejedora (Weaver), This is a deeply rooted tradition in the Peruvian highlands. Women weave "telares" (tapestries) and their own clothing with intricate designs and vibrant colors. The first textiles date back to 600 BC in pre-Incan cultures.

Idilio Nocturno (Romance at Night), Have you ever sneaked out at night to see someone special? This secret meeting between this young couple can only happen at night when no one is aware of their location. After a hard-working day at the fields, the night brings them hope, thus they can daydream about their future together when they can buy their own land and have their own family.

La Pastora (The Shepherdess), Llamas, alpacas, and sheep play a central role in the Andean rural communities. This young shepherdess wakes up at the break of dawn to take care of her family's livestock.

About the Artist: Born and raised in Peru, Esther loves visiting her family and that's brings her to Utah. She works in the traditional art of "arpillería"—adding her own spin to them—to create lovely wall hanging. Each tiny figure is crafted in three dimensions and lavishly embroidered. Esther is excited to share her Peruvian culture with the world at age 78 and bring a small part of Peru to your living spaces.