Born in Mayagüez, PR, in 1931, painter and graphic artist Noemí Ruiz studied at Universidad Interamericana, and obtained a master's from University of NY. Ruiz did doctoral studies at University of Madrid. Together with Jaime Carrero, she founded the experimental group Gremio 56. In 1972, she studied graphic arts at ASUC studio in Berkeley, CA.

She is a member of Asociación de Mujeres Artistas de PR. Ruiz was a professor at Universidad Interamericana and Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, both in PR. In 1974, she was awarded first prize for painting from Ateneo Puertorriqueño, and received honorable mention from "Sin Nombre" magazine in 1977.

In her painting, Noemi Ruiz is primarily concerned with achieving balance and equilibrium of abstract organic forms. Since the early 60s her work has undergone a slow and steady evolution from a strict geometric style toward a softer organic vocabulary reminiscent of landscape and human figures. Ruiz has devised her own technique of applying paint to the canvas by means of a small foam roll. This method allows her to elaborate flat uniform areas of color complemented by geometric circular movements that result in compositions of great depth and atmosphere. Until recently, she avoided the use of texture in her painting. In her latest series, however, she has incorporated the use of collage to achieve subtle textural effects.

Ruiz had individual exhibitions at the Universidad de PR; Instituto de De Cultura Puertorriqueña; Liga de Estudiantes de Arte, and Galería Caribe, the latter two both in San Juan, PR.