Olivia Immitt adjusts her hair in the mirror prior to a private sound meditation session. This work and her spiritual healing practices take her across the region from Williamsburg to Somerset.
Olivia's first mural in downtown Williamsburg is near the intersection of Third and Main. “It’s about making the community more welcoming, accessible and resource-available for everyone," she says. "The mural is a symbol of that message.” She has painted murals in Whitley and McCreary counties as well as in Colombia, Bolivia and Peru.
Before she became self-employed in 2023, Olivia worked for Cumberland Falls State Resort Park as a parks program services supervisor. She developed classes, tours and retreats, which provided valuable experience for her current work. She organizes programs in public institutions across the region, including painting classes for children, sound meditations and women's retreats.
"Once she left the Falls, she was really able to entrench herself in the community and reach out through her art," says Cortney Moses, the community arts extension agent for Whitley County.
Mirroring the transition in Olivia’s career is the state of flux in her personal life. Although she and her husband, Austin, have recently separated, they both still live on the same remote, off-grid property they’ve shared since 2017. They are working on navigating co-parenting their son together and exploring new relationships apart.
Olivia and Jehan first met when Jehan applied to fill Olivia’s old position at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, and she reached out for advice on getting the job, sparking what eventually grew into a deeper relationship for the two.
Olivia understands how her situation may appear to others, but is determined to be honest about her and her family’s ever-evolving lives. “It’s just a fact, it’s not gossip," she says.
Olivia kneels over Rhonda Kendziorski during a group sound meditation session at McCreary County Public Library in Whitley City. “It’s very important to me on all levels: spiritual, emotional, mental," Olivia says. "This is my work."
Olivia ascends the stairs at McCreary County Public Library in Whitley City where she teaches a monthly painting class for children and their parents.
"The detailed bird is a representation of physical health," Olivia says, describing a mural she painted near the corner of Third and Main streets in downtown Williamsburg. "The geometric bird represents mental and spiritual health," she says.
Olivia and her son, Nico Maxwell, 3, play on a trampoline at the farm they share with her husband, Austin Maxwell.
Austin (left), Nico, and Olivia sit in the house Austin has been constructing on their property. Austin and Olivia are learning to co-parent their son as they navigate the end of their marriage.
Nico (from left), Olivia, and Jehan Abuzour, Olivia's girlfriend, explore Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Olivia and Jehan first met through their work at the park.
Olivia signs her name on the mural in downtown Williamsburg. "We're still discovering her many talents," says Cortney Moses, the Community Arts Extension Agent for Whitley County.
Nico and Olivia look toward the road ahead.
Nico Maxwell plays near a pool of light during an evening visit to Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.