NEW YORK, NY.- Just over fifty years ago, on June 3, 1968, Andy Warhol, the world’s most famous Ruthenian artist was shot and almost killed in his studio in downtown New York. His given name was Andrew Warhola—a shy boy of Slavic peasant stock who was born and raised in a deeply religious and cloistered Eastern European community in Pittsburgh, and grew up to be the legendary New York avant-garde artist celebrated around the world.

His popularity and, ultimately, his renown, had their beginnings at home in Pittsburgh. As James Warhola tells the story, it was Andy's mother—Julia Zavacká Warhola—who instilled a love of art in her son and nurtured his talent during his formative years. Andy's nephew, James, was, in turn, an ardent pupil of his uncle Andy's, and became a successful illustrator and author in his own right.

As the Warhola family archivist, James has become a repository of details about Warhol's private life. His uniquely personal knowledge is reflected in the current exhibition at The Ukrainian Museum, Andy Warhol: Endangered Species, in a special gallery section that traces Warhol's early years in Pittsburgh, his heritage, and other influences that spurred him along the path toward becoming one of most influential American artists. The display includes several of Warhol’s early drawings, as well as personal artifacts and family photos, including Andy's very first Brownie camera.

On Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 7 p.m., Alexander Motyl, co-curator of Endangered Species, will be joined by James Warhola for an informal gallery talk that is bound to enlighten even the most ardent Warhol devotees. The evening will begin with a conversation between Motyl and Warhola focusing on “Uncle Andy’s” early years. Following their conversation, A. Motyl, author of the novel Who Killed Andrei Warhol (2007, 2018), and J. Warhola, author and illustrator of the children’s book Uncle Andy’s: A Faabbbulous Visit with Andy Warhol (2003), will read brief excerpts from their respective books, and will then take questions from the audience.

Tickets for the gallery talk may be ordered in advance online at www.ukrainianmuseum.org.