Randyland — Attraction in Pittsburgh

Eclectic, unique, cluttered, imaginative, eco-centric, eclectic, fun, disheveled, energetic, crazy, fantastic, and fabulous are all words to describe Randyland. Like nothing else I have seen, several row homes and vacant lots have been transformed by Randy Gilson into a unique urban art garden, located at the Northside intersection of Jacksonia and Arch streets in Pittsburgh. When you visit, be sure to meet Randy, who often is found at this, his home, adding his bold touch to the collection of trash-turned-art on display for the public. When describing his repurposed landscape and his path here dating back decades, Randy's eyes twinkle with whimsy and fantasy. He believes the human spirit is capable of awe-inspiring deeds. Everyone is given opportunities each day to make a difference in another's life. Randy knows the deep scars left behind when people choose to hate based simply on outward appearance and cultural or religious norms. Randy offers each visitor to Randyland a heart-felt smile and "Hi." In this way, he counters hate with love. To Randy, no thing is trash to be discarded, nor is ANY PERSON without worth. Each human being, regardless of any differences, deserves respect, honor, justice, and love. Come to Randyland. Find the funky beauty and potential with second chances for both discarded things and people, too. There is no admission price to roam Randyland, though you are welcome to make a purchase in the makeshift store or offer a donation. The...

Pittsburgh has much going on in the way of art. I didn’t know the city had such a thriving art scene until I paid a visit there and I didn’t know just how many places that art appears and how many creative ways that art is used to enhance life in the steel city. A good example of both is Randyland.

What is Randyland all about? Well, as you probably figured, the person behind this attraction is named Randy and he created this folk art neighborhood attraction in order to provide the local community with something they could rally around; a place to call their own and a place that would instill positive vibes in the community. The folk art, murals, paintings, etc do, indeed put you in a happy mood. The rainbow of colors is bound to make anyone come away happier, no matter what their present mood.

Randyland’s art doesn’t follow any type of organized pattern and this fact could both some visitors who come here looking for something resembling an art museum. It isn’t like that at all. The art you see is scattered all around you and as you walk around and look around, you will find your mind darting indifferent directions.

Supporting the local community is admirable and I like what Randy has done with his Randyland creation. It’s a fun place where you can let your imagination run free and, most important of all, come away feeling happier in...

Like many vision-driven art sites, Randyland reshapes trash into an invitation to a better world--and that world is a riot of joyful color. The prominent display of messages of support for LGBTQ+ children and welcome signs in dozens of languages reveal the artist's desire to create a future where all are included and protected.

Randy has organized the site by grouping similar objects painted in a variety of color combinations. In one spot there are mannequins, in another lawn ornaments. Along with the consistent jewel-toned color palatte, variation from and within the groupings creates a chaotic cohesion.

The color palette unites two central themes of Randyland--the delight of childhood and reverence for nature. Painted toys mingle with both constructed and living flowers, bringing to mind the work of scholars stretching from Theodore Roszak to Salif Mahamane, who have established that nature heals us. By connecting high-density urbanism and elements of nature, Randyland creates a space that is safe for children and inner-children.

Go to Randyland. Be dazzled by its expertly orchestrated cacophony of color. Be filled with joy and wonder.

And when you're done, ask yourself why piles of wildly painted junk makes the rest of the world...