The Recycle Challenge - Crafting & Recycle Station

Madera E Rogers-Henry is CFO and main artist for The Recycle Challenge - Crafting & Recycle Station. As an artist whose work encompasses a diverse range of mediums, including photography, sketching, painting, costume design, and fashion. In addition to the exploration of identity, memory, New Orleans cultures, and traditions, Madera E. Rogers-Henry's artistic statement also places a strong emphasis on incorporating recycling and upcycling techniques into her works of art. With a commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness, she finds inspiration in transforming unwanted materials into unique creations.

She sees value in discarded materials, recognizing the potential for beauty and creativity in items that are often overlooked or deemed as waste. By repurposing these materials, she contributes to reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable approach to art-making.

Her work incorporates the vibrant spirit and cultural heritage of New Orleans, Madera’s artistic statement reflects a deep connection to the city that has influenced her recent works. Through her creations of parading costumes for Mardi Gras and Earth Day, wearable art, and installations of new products from recycled materials, she explores the complexities of personal and collective identity, often drawing from her own experiences as a person of African descent.

She seeks to challenge traditional representations and narratives by embracing a multidimensional approach that incorporates cultural references, and historical symbolism and has elements of Southern culture and Latino arts.

Rogers-Henry not only showcases her artistic vision but also raises awareness about the importance of recycling and upcycling in our daily lives. By transforming discarded materials into new treasures, she reduces the amount of waste destined for landfills. Her works prompts viewers to reconsider their consumption patterns and the potential for creative reuse.

The incorporation of recycled materials adds depth and richness to Rogers-Henry's artwork. It creates an element of surprise and invites viewers to engage with the artwork on multiple levels – appreciating its aesthetic qualities while also contemplating the artist's message of sustainability and resourcefulness.

In her desire to create meaningful and impactful artwork, Rogers-Henry is committed to fostering dialogue and community engagement. She believes that art has the power to provoke thought, spark conversations, and inspire action. Through exhibitions, educational initiatives, and collaborations with local communities, she’s able to showcase this theme through The Recycle Challenge to create safe spaces for reflection, connection, and empowerment.

Through her work, she challenges conventional narratives, by introducing and educating marginalized or under-served communities, to envision a future that is inclusive, sustainable, and empowered by their recycling measures. Their multidisciplinary approach has a deep connection to the natural world, invites viewers to question their own and engage in critical reflection on social, actions, cultural, and environmental issues.