Return to Previous Workshops
The success of the workshop in Oplotnica, Slovenia, demonstrates the power of partnerships. AiP worked together with Zavod ETNO-EKO, Slovenia Nostra, members of various government agencies such as the National Institute for Protection of Cultural Heritage and, most importantly, dedicated professionals and students from the local area. Key to the effort to restore the small 17th century chapel were Franci Pečnik, Petra Rems and Tanya Gobec, founder of ETNO-EKO.
This project to test and restore the decorative paint scheme in chapel of a 17th century manor house sparked interest in participants from Belgium, England, India, Slovenia and the United States. Over a 
three-week period, participants carefully removed the top layer of paint in the elaborately decorated room. That layer, believed to be from the mid-1800s, turned out to be the only one covering the original 1631 finish. To everyone’s surprise, the original decorative scheme appeared to have been silver and gold gilding with areas of white and cream. The newly restored finish, completed a few years after the project, turned out to be stunning indeed. AiP's involvement and assistance was the primary impetus in beginning this particular restoration project.
The bigger picture is equally important. Slovenia, which had recently celebrated 15 years as a nation, is working to develop a comprehensive program to preserve its history, which dates from at least 400 B.C., and to develop a strong heritage tourism program. As part of the workshop program, participants visited thesite of Zice Monastery, founded in 1165, as well as several area churches and historic farm houses. Participants drew upon their own diverse backgrounds and shared
thoughts and ideas at the sites about the various approaches for managing the country's 
valuable historic resources. This discussion continued
during a well-attended town meeting held at the manor house. The volunteers’ commitment to the project inspired local residents to continue the work and see it through to completion.
The group enjoyed the fun, food, camaraderie and valuable learning experience had by all. AiP returned to Slovenia in 2008 to assist with the preservation of of the Mlinars vineyard cottage in Šmartno ob Paki, and continues to with our local partners to help preserve Slovenia's heritage.
