We are delighted to announce the winners of the third creative contest organized as part of the LIFE TRŠCA project, which this year was held under the title “Frog Day in the Reeds”. The entries we received impressed us with their rich imagination, original ideas, and careful execution. Each entry told a story about amphibians in its own way and reflected the creativity of the young artists. We sincerely thank all participants for their effort, enthusiasm, and valuable contribution to this year’s contest.
The contest ran from September 1, 2025, to May 22, 2026. We received a total of 239 wonderful entries, including 191 visual art pieces, 13 literary works, and 11 photographs. The selection of the best entries was made by the versatile artist Miha Razdrih, who had the following to say about the contest:
"Every eye has its own painter, every gaze its own highlights and peculiarities, and every ear its own melody.
It is truly a difficult task to choose, from among more than a hundred works of art, those that, in my opinion, stand out the most. I would love to award and mention them all, as each of the submitted works is a world unto itself. So many different techniques, approaches, perspectives, and executions. Every single work has impressed me in its own way. In each, I recognized artistic potential, and I am thrilled by how many new talents I had the opportunity to discover through their works. So much color, time, ideas, words, and creative energy are hidden in the submitted works. A true abundance of creativity.
I have decided to include among those receiving special mention the authors who created independently rather than as part of a group. I admit that the group works also impressed me, but this time I did not include them among the award-winning entries. Nevertheless, I congratulate them from the bottom of my heart and believe that they will continue to create successfully in the future and perhaps even enter a competition on their own.
The decision of whom to highlight was truly difficult. I couldn’t decide quickly or without hesitation, so I kept returning to your works and immersing myself for hours on end in these wonderful creative worlds. I allowed the works to speak to me on that special, hard-to-explain level where art often speaks most powerfully.
I am truly sorry if, because of my selection, any work has gone unrecognized, even though it might have deserved it in its own right. I therefore urge all participating authors not to be disappointed by my selection. In every single piece, I saw a spark of creativity, effort, dedication, and artistic inspiration.
Unfortunately, the nature of the judging process is such that, in the end, only a few works can be selected. I chose those that personally moved me the most. But art is not a competition. My selection means nothing more than that, while exploring your artistic visions, certain works particularly spoke to me and inspired me.
I wish all creators much joy, courage, and inspiration in their future creative endeavors. I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart on your wonderful works. Keep up the great work. I am confident that you will create many more beautiful and inspiring works of art.
Sincere congratulations to all, and bravo, bravo, bravo! "
The creative contest was divided into three age and content categories:
• Art contest: for preschoolers and elementary school students in grades 1–3,
• Literary contest: for elementary school students in grades 4–6,
• Photography contest: for middle school students and high school students.
Winners by category:
Art Contest:
Additional mentions:
Literary Contest:
3rd place: Lovro Galič, Šempeter v Savinjski dolini Elementary School, Šempeter v Savinjski dolini
Additional mentions:
Photography Contest:
Additional mentions:
All winners will receive their prizes by mail, and every participant will receive a certificate of appreciation from Notranjska Park as a token of gratitude for their participation.
The complete contest documentation is available on the LIFE TRŠCA project website, and all submitted works can be viewed at this link.
We are also preparing an exhibition of selected artworks, which will be on display at the end of August at the Krpan Gallery in Cerknica as part of the summer event “Cinema Under the Stars.” Before each film screening, you will be able to view the artistic creations of our young artists one hour prior to the start.
The implementation of extensive nature conservation projects exceeds the financial capacity of the local community, therefore Notranjska Park regularly applies for projects with the possibility of co-financing by the European Union.
The implementation of large-scale conservation projects exceeds the financial capabilities of the local community, therefore Notranjska Park regularly applies for projects with the possibility of co-financing from the European Union.
