Lee's personal art space is called Monkey Tree Studio. But she works out of a shared space in Powell River called Studio 3. Studio 3 is also home to artists Joyce Furness and Alexene Silver.

Studio 3 is located at 4710 Marine Avenue in Powell River. As a working studio, it is open by chance or by appointment.

Why Monkey Tree?
"I chose the name 'Monkey Tree Studio' for a few reasons," Lee says. "When I was growing up on Vancouver Island, one of my best friends, Kathy Ryan, lived in a big house in Ladysmith. The Ryan family always made me feel welcome and I have wonderful memories of my visits. There was a giant monkey tree in their yard. It was the first time I'd ever seen one and was fascinated with it.

"When I moved to Powell River I couldn't help but notice the large number of monkey trees here. It must have been a gardening trend because they're everywhere. So Monkey Tree seemed like a fun name for a studio as it combined warm childhood memories and a touch of Powell River at the same time."

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Lee Mackenzie (left) with fellow artists Joyce Furness (centre) and Alexene Silver (right) in Studio 3.