Hebert-Watkins graduated in May 2024 from UMD’s College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences (CAHSS), earning degrees in Spanish and Art.
Hebert-Watkins operates her own jewelry-making business, and has designed several custom wedding bands and engagement rings. In addition to pursuing her own artistic endeavors, Hebert-Watkins has dedicated much of her time to inspiring others. She is a teacher at an outdoor early-education pre-school in Spokane, Washington, and leads her own jewelry-making classes at the Spokane Art School, a community-based art education facility and gallery space.
“This assortment of jobs and creative endeavors have helped me to transition away from college,” Hebert-Watkins said. “And to continue participating in the activities that I love.”
Hebert-Watkins found community as an art student, and used her time at UMD to experiment with different mediums, discovering particular passions in jewelry-making, and ceramics.
“I spent countless hours in the studio with my classmates both in, and outside of class times,” Hebert-Watkins said. “I knew I could show up at any time of the day or night, and someone would be there to keep me company. The dedication of these students was incredibly motivating and made the studio feel like a community.”
Hebert-Watkins' desire to continue working with clay and sculpture led her to get involved with a Spokane-area, volunteer-run pottery studio in addition to her work as an educator and small-business owner.
Hebert-Watkins said the faculty at UMD were a significant part of her success as an art student.
“My ceramics professor and mentor, Liz James, has been a particular inspiration and encouragement to me,” Hebert-Watkins said. “She has challenged me to push myself beyond my limits, and has kindled a love and a passion for clay inside of me. I also owe many thanks to Jennifer Webb, Sara Blaylock, Eun-Kyung Suh, and Kristen Pless who have invested in me educationally and personally.”
James is a faculty member of UMD’s Department of Art & Design, and has been an Assistant Professor of Ceramics for 16 years.
“Olivia was a wonderful student,” James said. “She is a very mature, focused, and dedicated individual and it was an honor to work with her. I think her artwork reflects her spiritual worldview in a manner that resonates well with people.”
Hebert-Watkins said it’s important to continue searching for inspiration and creating art in every season of life, that artistic success is relative, and everyone’s story is unique.
Advice for current students:
Hebert-Watkins said the best way to set yourself up for success as a student is to diversify as much as you can, while you can. A philosophy she’s stuck by from the beginning; taking part in interdisciplinary work and involving herself in campus organizations and activities as a student, and now staying just as involved both in a professional and volunteer capacity post-grad.
“I think that college is the perfect time to experiment with different mediums,” Hebert-Watkins said. “I can say from personal experience that some of the classes I felt most unsure about, because of my lack of experience, quickly became my favorites.”
Notably, according to Hebert-Watkins, that effort should extend outside the classroom also.
“Branch out beyond your areas of study and invest in your passions outside of the classroom," Hebert-Watkins said. "Whether that be joining a foreign language club, exploring the Superior Hiking Trail, attending campus events, or signing up for an outdoor clinic through RSOP. College is a unique time to build community and connections with others – so take advantage of it!”