How Kauffman Center is Inspiring Kansas City Youth Through the Arts

Meet Noelle Choy: A Local Artist Breathing Life into Kansas City

Update Embracing Creativity: The Journey of Noelle Choy Noelle Choy isn't just an artist; she’s a transformative voice in the Kansas City art scene. Winning the prestigious 2025 Charlotte Street Visual Artist Award is a testament to her influence and creative prowess. For the past three years, Choy has left an indelible mark on the local art community, blending her unique style of installations, performance art, and collaborative projects with a heartfelt narrative rooted in personal loss. Art as an Expression of Loss and Love Choy’s artistic journey traces back to Silver Spring, Maryland. Her education at Virginia Commonwealth University and Cranbrook Academy for the Arts laid the groundwork for her innovative approaches. In her pieces, materials advise the viewer on qualities of adaptability—she uses everything from traditional media like wood and paint to found objects and recycled materials, crafting chaotic yet purposeful sculptures that captivate the imagination. Much of Choy’s work is deeply intertwined with her personal experiences, notably the loss of her mother. This emotional connection drives her creativity, evident in installations like “Domniete Yourslef,” where she uses the symbolism of a dragon to explore themes of rebirth and remembrance. This art form invites audiences to connect not just with the aesthetics but also with the deeper story between loss and healing. Collaborative Endeavors: A Celebration of Community Choy’s commitment to community integration is palpable in her collaborations, such as the recent “Control Center” exhibition with artist Adams Puryear. Together, they transformed the gallery into a doomsday bunker, inspiring dialogues about societal fears in playful yet disturbing installations. The street festival they organized invited participation, showcasing the essence of what Kansas City’s art scene embodies—community spirit and engagement. The camaraderie among local artists, reflecting shared journeys and influences, is vital to Choy's identity as an artist. It underscores the importance of the Kansas City local business ecosystem, where creative minds thrive and support one another. In fostering these relationships, artists and entrepreneurs can discover new pathways to success. Why Kansas City? Relocating to Kansas City marked a significant chapter in her career as Choy engaged deeply with local cultural initiatives and teaching at the Kansas City Art Institute. Her ability to inspire upcoming artists is a reflection of how locally based art initiatives can nurture talent. Choy’s work resonates with local business owners and entrepreneurs, emphasizing that just like art, businesses are built on character and resilience. Whether through public installations or engaging teaching strategies, her stories encourage budding local startups. The overlap between art and entrepreneurship reveals how creativity fuels economic growth in our community. Spotlight on KC Entrepreneurs: Building a Distinctive Narrative For residents and businesses in Kansas City, Choy’s journey serves as an example of the value of unique narratives within our local landscape. Local artists like Choy are making significant impacts that go beyond aesthetics. They’re contributing a cultural narrative that's invaluable—making art accessible and relatable. As we spotlight our local entrepreneurs, it’s crucial to recognize how these artists contribute to the richness of Kansas City's character. They encourage collaboration, innovation and foster a sense of belonging, which are all critical to the growth of our community. Supporting Local Artists: A Call to Action As we celebrate Noelle Choy’s achievements and contributions to the Kansas City art scene, let’s turn our focus to the importance of supporting local artists and businesses. Engaging with art and participating in community events helps us stay connected to the people and stories that shape our lives. For readers and business owners alike, consider how you can deepen your connection with Kansas City’s thriving art scene. Attend local art shows, collaborate with local artists, or even integrate artistic expressions into your business spaces. Together, we can create a dynamic and supportive environment that appreciates the convergence of art and commerce, ultimately enriching the community as a whole. Choy’s example illustrates the boundless nature of creativity that lies within Kansas City. Let's highlight and embrace the unique, colorful stories of our local artists. By doing so, we not only celebrate their individual journeys but also uplift the entire community.