Today we’d like to introduce you to Madera E. Rogers-Henry.
Hi Madera, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Fourteen years ago, I began a journey that would transform my life and redefine my artistic vision. This metamorphosis started with a shift to a greener, healthier lifestyle, inspired by my husband’s introduction to plant-based eating. What began as a dietary change quickly sparked a profound transformation that touched every aspect of my life. By incorporating high-energy, living foods into my diet, an unexpected phenomenon unfolded—my dreams became vivid, revealing intricate blueprints for designs: reversible clothing, elaborate jewelry crafted from paper and fibers, and more. It was as if my dormant creativity had awakened, guiding me to new artistic horizons. “I hadn’t touched a sewing machine since I was 14,” I recall, “but these dreams were so clear they became impossible to ignore.”
Driven by an unwavering intuition, I bought a sewing machine and dove headfirst into sewing and crafting. What began as a hobby blossomed into a deep-seated passion, intertwining conscious living with creative expression. This journey of self-discovery has unearthed reservoirs of creativity I had never tapped into before, propelling me toward a path where intuition and artistry merge.
Born in El Paso, Texas, in 1958, I am a self-taught jewelry designer and artist known for my innovative use of recycled materials. My portfolio is a testament to versatility, ranging from captivating mixed-media works on paper, fiber, and cardboard canvases to intricately designed hand fans that bring life to paper artistry. Each hand fan incorporates a large 3-D format—from a playful bunny nibbling on a carrot to a Black girl dressed in her Sunday best, to a radiant sunflower in bloom—showcasing creativity that transcends conventional artistic boundaries.
Since moving to New Orleans in 2014, my work has taken on a new energy. The city’s celebratory parade culture and vibrant crafting community have inspired me. My artistry dances to the rhythm of nature, music, and colorful surroundings, breathing life into recycled materials for sustainable parade throws, costumes, and installations. My latest initiative, “The Recycle Challenge Parade & Festival,” is a hands-on invitation to explore culture and sustainable living through a natural, DIY approach. “It’s about more than just art,” I explain. “It’s about health, wellness, and community engagement with a New Orleans flavor.” Through mentoring artists, I empower them to embrace the transformative power of recycling, repurposing, and upcycling.
My fashion journey began at 13 and spanned thirty years as a movement coach and choreographer for modeling, talent, and casting agencies across the U.S. and Quebec. I have worked with international fashion shows and clients such as Fred Segal of Rodeo Drive, KEIKO Swimwear, and the renowned advertising agency Foote, Cone & Belding for Kleenex. My career has also included roles as a publisher and graphic artist for two publications, a talk show host, an Integrated Arts teacher for K-6th graders, and now as a founder and community organizer. I am honored to continue inspiring and transforming lives across continents, advocating for a more conscious and connected world.
Art goes beyond mere creation; it is a means of weaving narratives that deepen our awareness of humanity and the environment, inspiring a collective movement toward a more sustainable future. For me, art is more than creation; it’s about weaving narratives that elevate awareness of humanity and the environment, sparking a collective movement toward a more sustainable future. Through coaching, and my artistic work, I strive to be a beacon of hope, guiding others toward a future where creativity and sustainability flourish in harmony.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The Recycle Challenge is a journey that has been bumpy, powerful, and deeply gratifying. Bringing together youth, performers, and partners worldwide, we connect through shared goals of sustainability, creativity, and community engagement. Virtual meetings on Zoom enable global collaborations—from Nigeria to Las Vegas to New Orleans—that would be nearly impossible in person due to costs. While these meetings lack the warmth of face-to-face interactions, they reveal the hidden benefits of reaching across distances and building meaningful relationships.
Our strengths lie in transforming waste into art and designing sustainable products like parade throws, costumes, and installations. However, the sustainability conversation often misses the social justice dimension—especially concerning disadvantaged, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. The drive for profit frequently sidelines fairness and inclusion, overlooking the need for a truly holistic approach to caretaking for both the planet and each other.
The challenge now is to weave social justice into our sustainability efforts. We are committed to creating partnerships and initiatives that promote equity and inclusion. The Recycle Challenge isn’t just about recycling materials; it’s about recycling mindsets—fostering a culture of care, respect, and equity for a more just and sustainable future for all.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work combines sustainability and social justice through art and community engagement. The Recycle Challenge Parade & Festival is a key initiative, serving as a gathering to inform, educate, and empower attendees about sustainable living. It offers practical ways to adopt a more holistic, natural lifestyle, whether at home or in business. Through creative workshops, performances, and installations made from recycled materials, we demonstrate that sustainability is accessible to everyone. My focus is on recycling mindsets, not just materials—encouraging inclusivity and advocating for equity, especially for disadvantaged and BIPOC communities. The festival becomes a platform where diverse voices can explore sustainability, creativity, and justice. I believe in the power of art to ignite conversations, build community, and inspire action. My work invites participants to understand that caring for the planet also means caring for each other, striving for a fairer, more connected world.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
If I had to credit one characteristic for my success, it would be my ability to see the vision—understanding what’s needed and how to achieve it. This clarity allows me to stay focused and not be swayed by outside influences. I also deeply trust my inner voice, which I believe is Spirit guiding me. When I receive direction, I follow it without hesitation. Together, these traits keep me aligned with my purpose, help me make clear decisions, and bring my creative ideas to life, allowing me to lead with intuition and confidence in all my endeavors.
Contact Info:
- Email: therecyclechallenge1@gmail.com
- Website: The Recycle Challenge
- Instagram: @the1recyclechalleng
- YouTube: The Recycle Challenge
- Other: Whose Magazine
Image Credits
Madera
