The City of Watsonville was recently presented the 2025 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence from the League of California Cities for its transformative Watsonville Brillante: Economic Development through the Arts project.
The statewide award celebrates programs that exemplify innovation, collaboration, and outstanding service to residents.
Watsonville earned top recognition in the Economic Development through the Arts category for using public art to drive downtown revitalization, strengthen local tourism, and celebrate the community’s cultural identity.
Launched in 2019, Watsonville Brillante turned the city’s multi-story Civic Plaza parking garage at 275 Main St., into a cultural landmark through the creation of a 12,500-square-foot mosaic mural.
Over five years, lead artist Kathleen Crocetti and her team united more than 125 artists, including 105 youths and nearly 700 community volunteers who contributed over 29,000 hours to the creation of the artwork.
“Watsonville Brillante is a shining example of how the arts can inspire pride, build community, and fuel economic growth,” said City Manager Tamara Vides. “This recognition belongs to the hundreds of residents and youth who helped bring this incredible vision to life under Kathleen Crocetti’s creative leadership.”
The League of California Cities recognized Watsonville’s accomplishment during its 2025 Annual Conference and Expo in Long Beach, where Watsonville Brillante was showcased as one of California’s most outstanding city programs.
