Randyland is the creation of eccentric folk artist, Randy Gilson. Gilson had an idea to transform his home in the Mexican War Streets neighborhood of Pittsburgh's Northside into a symbol of hope. By turning his home and its adjacent courtyard into a colorful creative expression it showed that he cared about the people and the neighborhood. It also inspired neighbors to adorn their homes. This became a crime deterrent and an attraction for locals and tourists alike.
Gibson folk art is made from discarded construction materials, toys, plants, plastic, yard sale finds and arranges and paints them into compositions for the viewer to create their own meanings. Some spaces are created to be interactive where visitors can engage and become a part of the art by looking in mirrors or sitting in chairs or on benches and walking up and down stairs. When we visited, we had the courtyard all to ourselves and were fascinated by the creative reuse of the materials and objects. Is it art? Gibson himself doesn’t like to be called an artist. Randyland surely expresses creativity and imagination.
Randyland is open most every day and visitors are welcome to come and explore the public art displays in and around the property. Admission is free.
Another fact. Gibson is also known for his guerilla gardening where he has planted over 800 gardens on vacant lots in several neighborhoods in Pittsburg.
