Artist Highlight

Hi, I’m Hannah, the creator of Now or Noodles. I specialize in drawing weird faces with deep or meaningless phrases. Doodling has always been therapeutic for me, and using it to connect with others has made it infinitely more meaningful. The majority of my work is done from an iPad, while my chihuahua-assistant, Tina, sleeps nearby. In addition to doodling, I work full-time as a writer and have fun by brushing, thinking about, and staring at boulders.

Aaron Stromberg is an artist, designer and competitive climbing coach from Albuquerque, who has a deep love for this community and the outdoors.  From a young age, Aaron backpacked across the Southwest with his father, gaining a deep appreciation of the beauty they called home.  His adventures continued as he traveled through the Americas, being influenced by the Mexican muralists Diego Rivera and Jose Clemente Orozco.  Inspiring artists who bravely critiqued governments while producing outstanding works of art.  While the size and importance of these great painters had a profound effect on Aaron, it was José Guadalupe Posada’s satirical lithographs that truly captured his attention.  The animated skeleton’s, or “calaveras,” allowed Posada to critique political and social issues in dark and humorous ways.  The influence of these artists and the calaveras can be seen throughout Aaron’s work.

Michelle Ang has been illustrating on a freelance basis since 2017, developing colourful illustrations for personal use, clothing, brands and more. As a passionate outdoor climber, Michelle has been illustrating climbing-based images, including a project that artistically represents the route names of many different climbs.

She’s been climbing since 2010 and has been an active part of the climbing community, including volunteering for access societies, and with Climbing Escalade Canada. She was selected as the artist for the 2021 Yosemite Facelift art competition and has designed art for many different Flashed crash pads.

Hi! I’m Nico, a designer & climber from Flagstaff, AZ where I currently work as a product designer & route setter. While climbing is my first love, I also spend much of my time running rivers, backpacking, & hiking (basically anything to spend time outside).

Having grown up in the Southwest, my art is often inspired by the wild patterns & textures that can be found in the rocks & vegetation that define much of the area’s landscapes.

Hi, I’m Alex! I’m an illustrator, graphic designer, and enthusiast for all things outdoors, especially anything in the mountains! I started climbing in Vermont in 2018, immediately finding it therapeutic and connecting deeply with both the act of climbing and the community. I’ve since moved from Vermont to Hawai’i and now to Maryland. I’ve loved immersing myself in each location’s unique climbing communities, embracing new outdoor spaces, and learning how to actively preserve the natural environments along the way. For me, outdoor recreation isn’t about reaching for peaks; it’s about making a positive impact and fostering inclusivity along the way!

Hello! I’m Maren, a climber, illustrator, and marine biology student based in Bellingham, Washington. I grew up in Alaska, where I discovered art in elementary school and climbing in middle school. Both have been consistent factors in my life since finding such incredible communities in both hobbies. Working both in traditional and digital media, I gravitate towards earthy colors and inked lines. I take inspiration for my art from my experiences outside, most often marine and forest life, but also stylized observations from wherever I find myself. I always appreciate the opportunity to combine climbing and art, as I get to show my love for such an amazing sport and community.

Igalski, a visual artist and climber hailing from Haifa, Israel, infuses his passion for both disciplines into his life and work.

He specializes in crafting unique collages and artworks using recycled materials, breathing new life into discarded scraps and photos. His creations grace exhibition halls and adorn specific project spaces upon commission. For him, collage serves as a therapeutic outlet, and he finds deep meaning in the physical act of transforming materials into art.

Beyond the realm of visual arts, he leverages his expertise in branding, marketing, and social media design to empower various climbing businesses. His clientele includes prominent names like Boulder Haifa, Seven Bays Bouldering, and an eco-friendly holds manufacturer.

Wynn Yau is an illustrator and designer based in Toronto, Canada. She draws inspiration from climbing culture, nostalgic characters, and her pet hedgehog Remy. In 2016, she started Inks By Wynn, where she designs cute and colourful stickers, apparel, enamel pins, and other lifestyle goodies. Her goal is to make climbing fun by bringing whimsy and delight into her art. Since 2021, she has established a brand presence at various climbing gyms across the Greater Toronto Area through seasonal vendor markets and events. In 2023, she co-founded the CLMBR ARTS MRKT, an independent artist market that brings together small businesses across local climbing communities.