Why did it take Dear Husband and I almost a decade to visit the iconic Randyland?
Thankfully dear friend C.M. came to visit, so we all went together.
Randyland is the brain child of Randy Gilson and his partner, Mac McDermott, Yinzers who started turning their house on the Northside and the lots, walls, and fences around it into a rainbow-hued wonderland of brightly painted found and re-purposed objects in 1995.
The only time this outdoor art installation has been closed was in 2019, when fans raised enough money to send the couple on their dream vacation, and in 2019, when Mac died of prostate cancer.
Entrance is free. Signs point toward local landmarks or say "welcome" in a variety of languages.
Randy(land) encourages visitors to take care of themselves, each other, and the world.
It was Mayor’s Award for Public Art in 2019.
RandyLand only "<3s hearts" / No Brains / Thinking / Only Stuff / Recycling / Finds / Repurpose SELF
There's a sandpit with toys and chairs if families want to come enjoy the outside.
Brains: Over Rated Not Reliable / Must be driven / Not Automatic / Beware Brains Break Very Often
Unsurprisingly, it's a popular destination for the selfie and Instagram set.
Here I was trying to capture the cacophony of crystal chandeliers on the pergola.
Pink flamingos. 'Nuff said.
Wall of mirrors.
Mannequins
We arrived at dusk on a Saturday evening and basically had the place to ourselves as the sun set.
We stuffed some dollar bills in the "karma slot" and thanked Randy on our way out.
He was in his workshop, cooking up something else exuberant and playful.
That's so Pittsburgh.
