“There’s more to life than just being in one neighborhood. Being able to explore the world, not just the little neighborhood where they’re at.”
Muralist Arturo Morales Romero guides a painting class with art students Wednesday at Grand Rapids’ Southwest Middle High School, encouraging them to learn about all cultures not just their own.
“When they’re on their cell phones, the only culture they know is what they see there. And what do we see? There’s a lot of bad stuff.”
“I loved how he talked about culture and how he brings it into his art and how he wants to spread the cultures of others.”
Student Damon Luis is impressed with the message and the art.
“For example, its not just about me knowing Mexican culture, it’s about knowing all other cultures like El Salvador or Nicaragua.”
As a teen, Morales grew up in a tough neighborhood, resonating with Jatziry Ponce.
“When he said he didn’t want his kids to grow up in the environment he was living in so he moved them away? I completely understood because as the daughter of Hispanic parents, I feel they would also do the same.”
Romero will visit several other schools throughout the month.
Author Christina Diaz Gonzales will also visit Grand Rapids for events next week.
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