Cynthia Hawkes studied in a BA program at UNB in Fredericton, New Brunswick. While there, she developed a passion for dance and spent many years in Toronto, New York, and finally Ottawa, training and preforming. After settling in Montreal and having children, she switched from dance to jewellery and another passion was discovered. Cynthia completed a specialised contemporary jewellery program at the Saidye Bronfman School of Fine Arts. She taught jewellery fundamentals at the Visual Art Centre in Westmount, Quebec, for 25 years where she was also acting Head of the Jewellery Department from 2021 to 2023. A professional jeweller, she perfected her craft while also working as a jewellery buyer over many years. This gave her a heightened knowledge and appreciation of many different styles of jewellery. Cynthia is currently utilizing her skills as program coordinator and director for the Montreal Academy of Metal Arts. Her work has been featured in student group shows at Galerie Noel Guyomarc'h in Montreal and at L.A. Pai Gallery in Ottawa.