Maddalena (Lena) Richards is a multimedia artist, radio producer, and writer living in Brooklyn.

In 2024, she stepped away from journalism to focus on her art and began working at a preschool. She was inspired by the children’s boundless creativity — their silly stories, wild characters, and joy. Her art began to reflect the playful, imaginative minds around her.

Maddalainey was born from the idea that children should grow up surrounded by art: objects that delight them, spark curiosity, and light up their imagination.

Each mobile is completely unique—a small story waiting to be told. Made from recycled materials (mostly Barilla pasta boxes and old issues of The New Yorker), they celebrate the creative possibilities hidden in everyday objects. Maddalainey hopes the children looking up at them dream up worlds and adventures for every handmade character. And as those children grow, she hopes they learn that the joy of creativity doesn't require anything fancy— a world of play and experimentation is just at their fingertips.