 In “Path of Stars,” completed in 1994 in a New Haven neighborhood, de Bretteville documented the lives of local citizens—past and present—with 21 granite stars set in the sidewalk.She was interviewed for the film "!Women Art Revolution".She is a member of the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences

She has been honored with many awards such as a 2009 “Grandmaster” award from the New York Art Directors Club and several awards from the American Institute of Graphic Arts, including a ”Design Legend Gold Medal” for 2004, “Best Public Artwork” recognition for 2005 from Americans for the Arts, and several honorary doctorates.