Complicating the Warhol picture.

Maria Silvestri
Published: April 28, 2025

Christine’s Note: This month, we’re sharing a note from Maria Silvestri—C-RS member and former CFA.

Elaine Rusinko’s comprehensive biography of Julia Warhola, Andy Warhol’s Mother: The Woman Behind the Artist, has garnered positive attention in recent media. Pittsburgh’s NPR affiliate WESA featured an audio segment where Rusinko was interviewed about Julia Warhola’s life, highlighting her Carpatho-Rusyn heritage and her profound influence on her son’s art and persona. Additionally, online contemporary art magazine Hyperallergic spotlighted the book in their November art book roundup, accompanied by a video exploring Julia’s artistic legacy.

There are two upcoming events in Pittsburgh where C-RS members, family, and friends can hear from Dr. Rusinko live:

• Friday, May 16, 2025: Conversation with Stephanie Flom at White Whale Bookstore, 4754 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, 7:00PM. (Events – White Whale Bookstore) This event will also be livestreamed on Zoom – register at the link!
• Sunday, May 18, 2025: Talk based on the book at St. John Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church, with refreshments, following the 10:30am Divine Liturgy. Please call 412-525-7050 to RSVP.

The book is available for purchase from the Carpatho-Rusyn Research Center.

Christine Hrichak is a member of the Carpatho-Rusyn Society’s Board of Directors.