Ex tempore Lenart: Young painted stories of Lenart from Agate to the present day

The annual summer ex tempore event in Lenart, held from July 27 to 29, 2026, concluded successfully with a gathering of young artists who created works inspired by the historical narratives of Lenart, spanning from Agatha to the present day. Organized by the Lenart Art Society Lajčija Pandurja and the gallery of Konrad Krajnc, the three-day event brought together eleven young creators from primary schools in Lenart, Voličina, Jakobski Dol, and Negova. The participants spent two days working in Lenart and one day in the Hrastovec Castle, guided by mentors Mari Kramberger and Talio Posel. Together with Krajnc, they developed the central theme of the event, titled Zgodbe Lenarta od Agate do danes (Stories of Lenart from Agatha to Today). The artworks produced during the ex tempore focused largely on traditional Lenart artistic styles and Trboški architectural heritage. Artists recreated vivid images of the hospital and Rotovž, as well as the parish churches of Saint Leonard and some of the oldest surviving Trboški houses from the early 19th century. Motifs related to Hrastovec Castle and its surroundings were linked to the tragic fate of beautiful Agatha in the tale Črni križ pri Hrastovcu, and her unrequited love for Count Ivan Friderik Herberstein. The young artists took a shorter path reflecting Agatha’s sorrowful destiny, stopping at the chapel in Strmi Gori, where she was believed to have secretly met. They also depicted the castle's main entrance and crest above the main gate, as well as the Stiperjevi chapel near Lake Radehova. The resulting paintings will be displayed in a gallery exhibition opening later this year, specifically during the Lenart municipal festival in mid-October. The event was supported by the Municipality of Lenart, which has been organizing summer festivals since June and continues to prepare events through September. On July 31, at 9 p.m., a monologue comedy titled Kralj ulice will be performed in Dr. Jože Pučnik Park by Vlado Novak. On August 1, at the same time, Nuše Derenda and his band will perform a concert in the same location. On August 4, at 6 p.m., a children’s play O dimnikarčku, ki je srečo iskal will be presented in the park by the Pravljičarna Theatre. Admission to all these events is free. The ex tempore event marked another step in the ongoing cultural activities planned by the municipality, continuing a tradition that began in June. The participation of local youth in such creative projects highlights the community’s commitment to preserving and promoting its historical and artistic legacy. The works created during the event reflect both the past and present, blending traditional themes with contemporary interpretations. This approach ensures that the stories of Lenart remain relevant and accessible to new generations of artists and residents alike. The collaboration between local artists, mentors, and organizers demonstrated the strength of community-driven initiatives in fostering creativity and cultural continuity. By drawing inspiration from historical figures like Agatha and the architectural landmarks of Lenart, the young creators contributed to a broader narrative that connects the town’s past with its future. As the exhibitions and performances unfold in the coming months, the legacy of the ex tempore event will continue to shape the cultural landscape of Lenart.