Local fifth grader’s art work recognized in global contest

The 2017-2018 school year is winding down for most students in El Paso, and for one young girl at Burnet Elementary School it ends on a high note.

Noelly Cobos’ art work was submitted to the 2017 Concurso de Dibujo Infantil: “La Mariposa Monarca y su ciclo de vida en Norteamerica,” which translates to the Monarch butterfly and the cycle of life. The contest was hosted by the Mexican Consulate.

Cobos, a soft spoken fifth grader, said she was surprised to learn her piece was one of twelve selected from the hundreds of submissions around the world. Noelly said her piece took about three months to complete.

“I feel proud because my art has reached so many people,” Cobos said.

Her winning piece was put on display this month in Mexico City’s largest children’s museum, Papalote Museo del Niño.

Noelly said she was in third grade when she realized she had artistic talent.

“I just started bringing a sketchbook to school and I just started drawing for fun and it just developed from there,” Noelly said.

Now, she draws daily to practice her skill.

“She always finishes what she starts so her work ethic is very good.” said Heidi Gutierrez, art teacher at Burnet Elementary.

Gutierrez said Noelly even helps other students with ideas for art work.

“I knew it was a tough contest coming in and the fact that she won I was definitely thrilled,” Gutierrez said.

Noelly said she recently took an interest in digital art and submitted an entry for the El Paso Independent School District Film Festival.

ABC-7 featured a clip of her film in mid-May during Good Morning El Paso in a story previewing the awards ceremony for the film festival.

Noelly won the top prize for her a film ‘Go,’ the heartfelt story about a dog and its owner.

“She’s definitely a role model, no matter if you’re looking or not, she’s doing the right thing,” Gutierrez said.