Andy Warhol’s Mother: The Woman Behind the Artist

Author Elaine Rusinko reveals the untold story of Andy Warhol’s mother, Julia Warhola — her Rusyn roots, creative life, and lasting influence on the iconic artist.

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In this virtual presentation, author Elaine Rusinko, Professor Emerita of Russian at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, brings to light the remarkable life of Julia Warhola, the influential yet often overlooked mother of Andy Warhol. When Warhol relocated to New York, Julia joined him, and the two shared a close bond—living near one another and, at times, together—throughout much of their lives.

Prof. Rusinko traces Julia’s journey from a small Rusyn village in the Carpathian mountains (then Austria-Hungary) to industrial Pittsburgh and, eventually, the avant-garde art world of New York City. The program also explores Rusyn culture, providing important cultural context for understanding Julia’s life story and the values, traditions, and creativity that shaped both her and her famous son.

Drawing on unpublished sources, including Rusyn-language correspondence and rare video materials, Rusinko reveals Julia Warhola as a talented artist, a vibrant personality, and a powerful creative force whose influence left a lasting mark on Andy Warhol’s work and public persona. This engaging talk offers fresh insight into one of the 20th century’s most iconic artists—and the extraordinary woman behind him.

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cm 1.1 01/03/2023

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