Poklon kulturnima delavcema

A commemorative sculpture has been unveiled in the village of Selca to honor two cultural pioneers, Olga and Lojze Šmid, who made significant contributions to the community's artistic and educational life. The ceremony took place in the village park, where the statue was revealed during a solemn event attended by local officials, family members, and community representatives. The unveiling marked a tribute to the couple’s enduring legacy in shaping the cultural landscape of Selca and the surrounding area.

The event began with a church service held in the parish church, where Lojze Šmid’s compositions were performed. This was followed by a formal ceremony in the park, where the statue was officially presented. The unveiling was conducted by several notable figures, including Mayor Marko Gasser, President of the Local Community (KS) Selca Peter Krek, Sara Šmid, the couple’s granddaughter, and the sculptor, academic sculptor Metod Frlic. The statue stands as a lasting symbol of their dedication to culture, education, and communal spirit.

Lojze Šmid played a pivotal role in the musical life of Selca. He served as an organist in the local church and led a mixed choir on the home front. He also founded a girls' choir, a tamboura orchestra, and took over leadership of the men's singing group in Železniki under the umbrella of the Niko Metal Workers' Cooperative. Additionally, he composed his own music, contributing significantly to the region’s musical heritage. His work extended beyond performance, as he was deeply involved in organizing and promoting cultural activities within the community.

Olga Šmid, on the other hand, dedicated herself to education and the arts. She taught at schools in Bukovica and later moved to Selca, where she became instrumental in organizing folk groups and culinary workshops for young women. Her efforts helped revitalize the cultural life of Selca, making her a central figure in numerous celebrations, academies, dramatic performances, and public events. She also contributed to the centenary celebration of Selca by publishing a book titled "Selca nekoč" with the help of the local tourism society.

Mayor Marko Gasser emphasized the significance of the statue, stating that it represents not just an artistic creation but also the intertwined lives of Olga and Lojze Šmid, whose impact on Selca and the broader Selška Dolina region remains indelible. He expressed hope that their example would inspire future generations to build a community rooted in kindness, culture, faith, mutual respect, and willingness to support one another.

President of the Cultural Society Dr. Janez Ev. Krek Selca, Gregor Gartner, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of preserving and celebrating local cultural figures. He noted that the recognition of Olga and Lojze Šmid serves as a reminder of the value of grassroots cultural contributions often overlooked in favor of professional or institutional efforts.

Sara Šmid, representing the descendants of the Šmid family, expressed deep gratitude to all those involved in ensuring that the memory of her grandparents endures for future generations. She acknowledged the collaborative effort between the Local Community of Selca, inspired by President Peter Krek, and the financial support from the Municipality of Železniki, which enabled the creation of this memorial.

The park now houses statues honoring other notable residents of Selca, such as the priest Dr. Janez Evangelist Krek and historian Dr. Franc Kos, both of whom were unveiled three years ago when the park was opened. These monuments collectively serve as a testament to the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the village.

The unveiling of the Šmid statue comes amid growing interest in recognizing and preserving the legacies of local cultural figures. It reflects a broader movement to acknowledge the contributions of individuals who have shaped the identity and traditions of their communities through art, education, and civic engagement. As the community continues to celebrate its past, it looks forward to building upon the foundations laid by visionaries like Olga and Lojze Šmid.