About

About Me

Hey there! I’m Mackenzie, a mixed media artist, educator, craftswoman, and Urban Sketcher based in Barre, Vermont.

My background is in technical theater, primarily focusing on Technical Direction and Set Construction. I worked in the theater industry for over a decade, serving as a scenic carpenter and stagehand, working on Broadway in New York City, in regional theaters across the country, and on touring productions. While living in New York City, I fell in love with Urban Sketching and continued sketching while on tour. This portable art form suited my busy and transient lifestyle, allowing me to quickly capture the world around me and, in doing so, connect with it. I tend to gravitate toward sketching architecture, plants, and my dog.

During the pandemic, my husband and I left New York City and returned to the Upper Valley where we grew up. I transitioned to residential carpentry, reconnecting with memories of helping my dad repair our old house.

I have a wide range of hobbies including drawing, painting, welding, carpentry, sewing, baking, cooking and gardening. These creative outlets allow me to explore and engage with a diverse range of artistic expressions, but sketching is what ties them all together. Sketching helps me visualize ideas and solve problems effectively, so every artistic project I undertake begins with a simple sketch.

Today, I share my love for creativity and hands-on learning as the instructor for the Design Lab program at Barre City Elementary & Middle School.

If you have any questions or would like to reach out about a specific project please email me at mskovaka (at) gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you!