Rachel Dahl
Mayor Ken Tedford spoke as the families of Valerie Serpa and Kirk Robertson joined the community in unveiling a mural on the south side of the annex building at 98 S. Carson Street this week.
Valarie’s passion for art led her to join the Art Council at its inception in 1986, putting to work her Art History and Cultural Anthropology degrees from the University of Nevada. She also earned a graduate degree in Visual Culture from Antioch and “was a world-class cook, lover of poetry and travel, and someone who was very patient with me,” Tedford said.
Shortly after, she met and married Kirk Robertson. They turned their love into action and continued to transform the Oats Park School into the Oats Park Art Center.
Following Kirk’s death in 2017, Val continued to channel her love and passion into the arts in Fallon by finishing the building and the ongoing performances and exhibits.
Val was a giver, driven by a desire to spread love even in the face of her own loss. Her devotion to her friends, family, and the community exemplifies her unwavering commitment to bringing people together and shows the importance of infusing the beauty of art into our lives.
Her vibrant personality and dedication to giving back to the community that raised her are forever woven into Fallon's history.
“When it became time to decide how best to honor her legacy, we knew Eric Burke, a celebrated fifth-generation Nevadan and artist with 20 years of mural experience, was the best choice to encapsulate Valarie’s radiant spirit and energy. That legacy aligned with our intention to shine a light on the lives of Val and Kirk. It stands as a lasting tribute to these two outstanding pillars, and their legacy will continue to inspire us all,” said Mayor Tedford.
Valerie’s sister, Julie Serpa, attended the ceremony with her daughter, Brooke Fitch, and expressed her appreciation for the memorial. “This is beautiful, and our family is honored to have her here. We miss her dearly.”
“This is a great way to memorialize her in the town she loved and did great work in,” said Brooke.
After the ceremony, Steve Ranson and Julie talked about the Art Center and Val and Kirk's memories there.
L-to-Right: Commissioner Myles Getto, Amber Getto, Mayor Tedford, Julie Serpa, Brooke Fitch
“Every time I drive by there,” said Ranson, “I think of them. I remember Kirk calling to let me know his column would be late, their writing, their trips to New York to find artists.”
Julie said she could always “hear her heels walking through the halls. We can’t replace her.”
Mayor Tedford said after the mural was done, he and Bob Erickson stood appreciating the work, but it took a minute to see Kirk in the painting. “Finally, it hit me,” Tedford said. “That was him in the shadow. He’s always in the back, in the background. It’s the way she always was out front and so gregarious. He was always in the background, the driving force; he was a world-renowned writer and poet. I get to see it every day when I go to work.”
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