Port Dover’s own Mary McKenzie has earned a prestigious national award from the Canadian Quilters’ Association (CQA) for her piece titled “Wabi-Sabi” at the 2025 National Juried Show.
McKenzie, a long-time member of the Norfolk County Quilt Guild and the Twilight Quilters Guild of Norfolk County, has dedicated years to mastering traditional, modern, and art quilting techniques.
Although she has won numerous local accolades, this marked her first entry into a national juried show, making the Judge’s Choice award a significant honour.
The piece explores the Japanese concept of “wabi-sabi” — the beauty found in nature’s imperfections — and incorporates digital photography, free-motion quilting, and felting. Judges praised the realistic depiction of leaves and commended the use of stiffening techniques to bring her fabric to life.
McKenzie received the award at the gala opening of the Juried Show in Toronto, standing alongside judge Joyce Brown and fellow quilter Virginia Costley Danby.
Her win highlights the growing artistic talent within Norfolk County and shines a spotlight on the area’s rich heritage of craftsmanship.