| The success of the workshop in Oplotnica, Slovenia demonstrates the power of partnerships. HCN 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 appears to have been silver and gold gilding with areas of white and cream. The newly restored finish will be stunning upon completion in the next few years. HCN's involvement and assistance was the primary impetus in beginning this particular restoration project.
The bigger picture is equally important. Slovenia, which recently celebrated 15 years as a nation, it 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 the important site of Zice Monastery founded in 1165 as well as several local 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 has inspired local residents to continue the work and see it through to completion.
Enthusiastic feedback from participants highlighted the fun, food, camaraderie and valuable learning experience had by all. HCN plans to return to Slovenia in 2008 to assist with the preservation of of the Mlinars vineyard cottage in Šmartno ob Paki. We hope to see you there!
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