As the 2025 artist in residence, the mixed media artist’s works span abstract and landscapes.
Mackenzie’s creative journey began in Scotland, where she studied fine arts and textile design in Glasgow and Galashiels.
She later moved to New Zealand and retrained as a primary school teacher, as a sole parent of three children. In 2021, after much reflection during the lockdowns, Mackenzie made the decision to step away from teaching and return to her art full time.
She is spending time in Wanaka developing a new body of work inspired by the surrounding landscape.
During her residency, she will also host a special event for local artists and present an artist talk at the exhibition at 10am on October 25.
"I am just thrilled to have been selected for the 2025 Wānaka Arts residency! Earlier this year, I returned to Wānaka for the first time since my late teens and reconnected on a very different level to the beauty of the scenery and the warmth of the people. The opportunity to work in the midst of such beautiful scenery is so exciting.
She said her semi-abstract work had developed from a need to break free from perfectionist tendencies.
"My artistic voice continues to evolve as I learn more about myself as an artist. I am heavily influenced by the beauty of the natural world and our need to protect it as well as my deep connection to the two lands I call home.
"I am largely process driven and once in the flow, memories, connections and glimpses of places long forgotten (or well treasured) find their way on to canvas. I always work in a series and move between works allowing each one to find its own path and tell its story," Mackenzie said.
The 2025 Wānaka Arts Labour Weekend Exhibition returns from October 23-26 at the Lake Wānaka Centre. Exhibition visitors can look forward to a vibrant showcase of painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics, textiles, sculpture and more. The exhibition offers the opportunity to engage with local artists, witness live creative sessions, and buy original works to take home.
This much-loved exhibition features over 140 artists from across Aotearoa, bringing together both emerging and established talent.
Alongside the Artist in Residence, this year’s guest artists include Jane Burdon, Jo Tyson and Printmakers Wānaka. Working artists Gus Milne, Ruth Napper, Ollie Baldwin and the Upper Clutha Woodcraft Guild, will be creating on-site throughout the weekend.
Entry is $10 at the door, with free admission for students and children under 12.
