“Fruit of Our Labor”

The Honeybee parallels the story of the immigrant. Not native to California, the Honeybee was introduced to San José, and thereby California, by Christopher A. Shelton in March 1853. The Honeybee catalyzed California agriculture and proved how invaluable immigrants, no matter their size, stature, or from where they come, can revolutionize the world for the better.

The six-story, 4000-square-foot mural Labor of Our Fruit by artist Patrick Hofmeister at the 3rd Street Parking Garage in Downtown San José (25 S. 3rd Street) magnifies one of our smallest immigrants to the grand status it deserves and honors this key contributor to the food chain and our survival. 

This mural was commissioned by the City of San José Office of Cultural Affairs and the City's Department of Transportation’s Downtown Operations Division in partnership with the San José Downtown Association, Local Color and Harvest Properties.