Coralville Mural Reveal Party

Let's Celebrate!

Join us on Saturday, October 4, 1–3PM at Coralville New Pi as we celebrate the completion of a brand new mural that was awarded to New Pioneer Co-op by Fairtrade America in partnership with Frontier Co-op to bring awareness to the positive impact our purchases make when we support co-operative, sustainable businesses. Enjoy kid-friendly art activities, taste delicious cinnamon inspired food, meet the artist, connect with Frontier Co-op and Fairtrade America, and grab some giveaways!

Fairtrade America is proud to partner with New Pioneer Food Co-op - Coralville, Frontier Co-op and local artist Thomas Agran to present a mural featuring Fairtrade certified cinnamon farmer A.G. Nandasen. The cinnamon grown by A.G. is part of the spice line from Frontier Co-op, which shoppers can find on shelves at New Pi. Thomas Agran is well known for his extensive public art installations throughout our cities, including three murals featured at our Iowa City and Cedar Rapids locations. We are pleased to announce that Thomas will begin work on our Coralville store beginning in mid-September.

Thomas will be portraying A.G., a farmer who is a member of the Small Organic Farmers Association (SOFA) in Sri Lanka. He grows Fairtrade certified cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, pepper, and turmeric. A.G. has been farming with SOFA for more than twenty years and exclusively implements organic practices. His farmland is a “forest garden,” which means that cash crops are interspersed among wild native plants. This approach helps preserve biodiversity, prevents soil erosion and increases shade.

The mural will be completed for October Fairtrade Month and is part of a larger campaign that highlights how we all have an opportunity to play a role in creating trade systems that prioritize people and the planet. The campaign represents the shoppers, grocers, brands and farmers, who come together in the choices we make so that the people who grow our food get a fairer deal for their work.