GRAND RAPIDS, MI - This year marks the fifth time Mexico native Arturo Morales Romero has participated in ArtPrize, the 15th annual international competition held in Grand Rapids.

Romero’s newest creation, “ Under the Same Heaven ,” might be his biggest submission yet. This year, there are thousands of entries from over 930 artists across 155 venues.

“I love painting, so I just wanted to do something unique and colorful,” he told MLive. “I feel like, as an artist, I have a responsibility or obligation to express myself and show the different cultures to the people.”

The 14-foot by 75-foot mural at West Side Smoke Shop, 712 Bridge St. NW, honors two cultures: Indigenous and Indian peoples.

According to Romero’s artist statement, the Native community is highlighted by a man on a hors

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