Mackenzie has built an impressive body of work and is known for her large-format abstract paintings.  Her work has been exhibited in over ninety exhibitions across Canada and internationally, and is collected by many museums including the National Gallery of Canada and the Vancouver Art Gallery. She began her education at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) in Halifax (1972-1975), and received her MFA at Concordia University (1976-1979). Mackenzie has received numerous awards and is an influential artist and educator.  Based in Vancouver, she Professor at Emily Carr University of Art + Design.