Annually, on February 14th, Valentine’s Day, friends and acquaintances of the late artist and free 
spirit Vali Myers assemble in her old room at the Chelsea to commemorate her passing. In no sense wicked, Vali was a witch who touched a great many lives with her vibrant spirit and optimistic outlook. Vali was a champion of life and love in all its varied manifestations, and hence it’s fitting that her friends should gather on a holiday that has its roots in an ancient pagan fertility festival.
The host of the party, Tony Notarberardino, a photographer and fellow Australian who knew Vali for ten years before her death, has maintained Vali’s room as it was when she lived there in the eighties and early nineties, assembling antique lighting fixtures and mirrors to provide a striking counterpoint to the vibrant reds, yellows, blues and greens of the walls and ceilings. Hand painted by Vali herself, the room is a work of art. Howev
er, “It’s not a museum,” Tony says, “but an organic thing.” He adds to it occasionally, whenever he finds a piece that he thinks belongs. Very well then, the room is a living work of fantastic art that has to be seen to be believed.
Tony welcomes old friends and new to this year’s celebration. Anyone with an interest in the life or work of this unique woman, or in learning more about her, is encouraged to attend. Bring your own stories, tokens or talismans of Vali’s life, if you have any, or your own magic objects—Vali’s life was all about magic! Guests will look at prints of Vali’s work, read passages from her unpublished diaries, watch a video or two, and swap stories of her life. Maybe even have a few drinks as well! In keeping with Vali’s living spirit, the party will not be a celebration of death, but of life.
[The party takes place on Feb 14th at 8 PM. at the Chelsea Hotel. Anyone with a sincere interest in Vali Myers is welcome. For more information, contact Tony via e-mail: notarberardino (at) earthlink.net]
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