Endpapers: Keith Warhola Gets” Kreative”

This November the East Meadow Public Library will present an exhibit by photographer and graphic artist, Keith Warhola.  Kreative Imagery is a compilation of a variety of Keith's many collages, photographs, and graphics imagery.  He combines a perfect blend of artistic perspective and nostalgia. His breadth of subjects includes Manhattan landmarks, Long Island towns and villages, eye-catching icons of touristy locales, personal stories and layouts celebrating sports teams and legendary figures.  

I recently spoke with Mr. Warhola about his various projects.  

"It's hard for me to stick with just one theme, if I see what has the makings of an interesting image I go for it.  I find it hard to be restricted to just one subject.  People, landscapes, landmarks…you name it and I've most likely photographed it."  

With the last name of Warhola, Keith is often asked if there is any connection between himself and THE famous Pop artist, Andy Warhol. "I've heard from a cousin of mine a few years ago that there actually is a very distant relationship between my family and that of Andy Warhol, a good handful of generations apart.”  

In Kreative Imagery, Keith highlights his passion for detailed collage work.  He has done pieces for the Mineola Historical Society and the Church of St. Aidan. If your child is involved in sports, he may have provided the team’s composite and individual photos. His work may be hanging in your dentist’s office. In fact, Mr. Warhola is often tapped to do commissioned pieces and photo restorations. And if you have been to the Jones Beach State Park main office (Parking Field 4), then you may recognize the banner you see in the accompanying photo. That is Warhola’s most well-known collage.  

An exhibiting member of the Long Island Center of Photography, Keith also had exhibits in the galleries and libraries of Freeport, North Bellmore, and Mineola. In 2013, he will be holding exhibits in the Barnes Gallery in Garden City as well as at the Rockville Centre and Deer Park Public Libraries.   

The most important piece in Keith’s Imagery exhibit is the collage dedicated to his beloved niece and nephew Jean Marie and James Warhola. This tribute to Jean Marie and James conveys love and awareness for lives that were tragically taken in September 2010. Keith makes it a personal mission to mark the lives of loved ones, to keep them close in your hearts. He also hopes that, in sharing the collage, it will put their story out there and make a difference in the lives of others affected by domestic violence. 

"Showing images of James and Jeannie, and getting the word out about Domestic Violence Prevention, is paramount at my exhibit.  Nothing else means more to me than that.”   

Warhola continues, "Maybe by making others aware of such a tragedy they can somehow prevent something like this from happening again. I have a choice. I could keep this sadness bottled up inside me, or, I can take this tragedy and turn it around to educate and inform others about the brutality of domestic violence.  I've chosen to put it out in the open…in hopes of having Jeannie and James make a positive difference in the lives of others."  

Keith Warhola's Kreative Imagery will be on view in the lower level of the East Meadow Public Library throughout November, beginning on Thursday, November 1st.  

The East Meadow Public Library is located at 1886 Front Street, East Meadow.  For more information, please call 516/794-2570.