Vali Myers: A Memoir

     The one-of a kind Australian artist and frequent Hotel Chelsea resident, Vali Myers, was undeniably a legend in her own time.  Our deposed leader Stanely Bard, of course, has a soft spot for the free-spirited Vali. Speaking with Chelsea Now, Bard said, "Vali Myers was a very special person who had her own definite ideas, and I allowed her to explore them. I’ve always tried to have some flexibility." 
     For thirty years, Gianni Menichetti, the author of this new memoir, lived with Vali Myers in the wild canyon of ‘Il Porto’—first as lover and willing slave, ultimately as friend, confidant, and protector. 
      Vali spent forty years in semi-seclusion in a wild canyon in Italy, where she continued producing her minute, mystical, and passionate drawings. Tough as nails, she fought the local authorities who wanted to introduce loggers into the valley, after a long struggle succeeding in having it designated an Environmental Oasis. Finally, Vali returned triumphant to her native Melbourne, where she was recognized as an artist sui generis.