Julie Packard
In appreciation of the Watsonville community, and with the support of Aquarium Executive Director Julie Packard, we are honored to be part of the Watsonville Brilliante project initiated by Community Arts & Empowerment. We celebrate the organization’s mission: to make art for, by, and with the public, to build community identity, pride, and connections through public art projects, and to foster creativity and empower communities through the arts.
We are delighted by the image the Aquarium inspired, and that artist-in-residence Heidi Alonzo brought to life. The design beautifully integrates an interpretation of the Aquarium’s kelp swirl logo; the mountains, farmlands, and wetlands of the Pajaro River valley; wetlands wildlife including a great blue heron and brown pelican and – in celebration of the Aquarium’s commitment to youth education and empowerment – a celebratory circle of a half-dozen young people. We are honored to be represented as part of the Watsonville Brilliante project, and to know that the final mosaic design was created and installed with the help of youth who brought it to life at the art center so that it could be installed downtown with the other panels.
The Aquarium envisions a future where the ocean flourishes, and people thrive in a just and equitable world. Hand in hand with our local communities, we strive to make a difference as part of an interconnected movement for social justice, racial equity, and a healthy environment.
To learn more about Monterey Bay Aquarium, our mission and vision, and our many youth education programs, visit MontereyBayAquarium.org.
Artist: Heidi Alonzo
Heidi Alonzo has been creating art in the Bay Area and the central coast of California since she earned a BFA in painting and drawing from San Jose State University in the early nineties. In 2020-23 she returned to SJSU and earned an MFA in Pictorial Arts. She has enjoyed guiding others to discover their own artistic abilities as a teacher since 2004 at St. Francis High School Salesian College Preparatory.
Heidi is also on the Board of Directors of Community Arts & Empowerment and is our principal designer for our sponsor panels.
Website link: Heidi Alonzo