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 and the art of silver smithing at the Centre des Arts Visuels in Westmount, Quebec, for 25 years where she was also acting Head of the Jewellery Department. 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 a 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.