Wholesum to display tomato-inspired student artwork at GOPEX

Wholesum, a Fair Trade Certified grower and shipper of fresh organic produce, plans to showcase the artwork of high school students during a poolside reception at the Global Organic Produce Expo 2024 in Hollywood, Fla.

The featured artwork will highlight Wholesum’s organic tomatoes created by students at Nogales High School, according to a news release.

“The decision to spotlight students’ artwork is part of Wholesum’s commitment to supporting the local community while nurturing creativity,” Joanna Jaramillo, Wholesum’s marketing manager, said in the release. “This fusion of art and agriculture also aims to inspire youth to see produce in a different way. We want to encourage young people to see produce as something that can inspire and that has a story beyond what they see as an everyday object on the kitchen table.” 

Wholesum said it worked with art teachers leading up to GOPEX to promote the opportunity. The company provided fresh tomatoes to the students as inspiration, including its multicolored heirlooms, tomatoes on the vine, snacking and beefsteak tomatoes, according to the release. Students were encouraged to examine all sensory aspects of the tomatoes including taste, aroma, shape and color to help create their designs.

“It was exciting to see the evolution of the student’s feelings towards the tomatoes and watch their ideas and inspiration come to life. That is what art is about,” Nogales High School art teacher Carolina Lopez said in the release.

Wholesum said GOPEX attendees will vote on their favorite pieces and the company will award first-place and second-place prizes in categories. The winners, selected by popular vote, will receive recognition for outstanding creativity and a cash prize for educational expenses, according to the release. The company also said winning artwork will be featured in future promotional materials from Wholesum.

Wholesum plans to display the winning art pieces at its GOPEX booth, No. 228.