Mei Choi

Senior in Residence - November 2025

The Intergenerational Sharing Project aims to connect seniors with other generations to pass on skills and ideas they have learned throughout their lives.

ABOUT:

Mei Choi is a self-taught textile expert, originally from Hong Kong. Her professional history is diverse - with a BA in psychology and experience as a health care worker, caterer, and children’s pastor. These days, these diverse interests have led to her passion for creating and reworking textiles.

She’s guided by two core principles - creativity and practicality. By altering, thrifting, and upcycling, she’s able to build her appreciation for textiles while creating functional items to support those around her. Starting with our Old Threads, New Stitches: Upcycling Exhibit, guests were invited to stop by and witness pieces crafted by Mei. Folks got to develop a richer understanding of the story behind each garment - including the opportunity to try items on.

Following the exhibit opening, Mackin House will also be hosting Open Studio dates with Mei. Visitors can ask for her support with their own upcycling projects, or gain insight on her practice. Finally, at the end of her month long residency, guests can sign up for our Hand Sewing and Upcycling Workshop under Mei’s tutelage. Topics covered will include basic stitching techniques, an introduction to hand sewing, and guidelines for adjusting patterns.

The goal of all of these events - to gain an understanding on the ways upcycling helps us preserve and connect older garments.

Our Seniors in Residence program is generously funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizon’s for Seniors grant.