James Warhola facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Warhola
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Warhola in 2011
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| Born | March 16, 1955 Smock, Pennsylvania, U. S.
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| Education | BFA, Carnegie Mellon University |
| Known for | Illustration |
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Notable work
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Uncle Andy's: A Faabbbulous Visit with Andy Warhol |
| Movement | Children's books, Science fiction |
James Warhola (born March 16, 1955) is an American artist. He is famous for illustrating many children's picture books. He has worked on more than two dozen books since 1987.
Early Life and Education
James Warhola grew up in Smock, Pennsylvania. This area was known for coal mining. His father, Paul Warhola, was the oldest brother of the famous artist Andy Warhol. His grandparents were immigrants from what is now Slovakia.
James Warhola studied design at Carnegie Mellon University. He earned his degree in 1977. After that, he continued his art studies in New York City.
Becoming an Artist
Warhola briefly worked for his uncle Andy Warhol at Interview magazine. However, he soon decided to become a science fiction illustrator.
In the early 1980s, James Warhola created cover art for over 300 science fiction books. He also became one of the "Usual Gang of Idiots" for Mad magazine. He illustrated many articles and covers for Mad. Warhola also designed cover art for role-playing games and magazines.
Writing About Uncle Andy
In 2003, James Warhola wrote and illustrated a book called Uncle Andy's: A Faabbbulous Visit with Andy Warhol. This book is about his famous uncle, Andy Warhol. The story shares what it was like to visit Andy Warhol's house in New York City.
The book describes how James and his family would visit Uncle Andy. Andy's house was full of interesting objects. James learned that "junk" could become amazing art in an artist's hands. He saw how Andy's house was filled with art and collected items. James even got to try on Andy's wigs!
The book also mentions Andy's many cats, all named Sam. James received art supplies from Andy as goodbye gifts. These visits taught James about the creative process. They also inspired him to become an artist himself.
Horn Book Magazine said the book used a friendly, conversational style. It described a visit in 1962, when Andy Warhol was becoming a famous fine artist. The watercolor pictures are full of fun details.
In 2009, a follow-up book was published called Uncle Andy's Cats. This book tells the funny story of how Andy Warhol's two cats had 25 kittens! It shows how he solved the problem of having too many cats.
James Warhola has worked with major publishing companies like Warner Books and Prentice Hall. He also advises the Andy Warhol Museum of Modern Art in Slovakia. This museum is near his family's ancestral village.
Personal Life
James Warhola lives in Tivoli, New York. He lives there with his wife, Mary Carroll, and their daughter, Oonagh Warhola.
