Volume 32 No. 3
March 2016
Randyland more than just a colorful garden attraction Wigle Whiskey to
open cider house in Spring Garden
By Justin Criado Spring Garden’s Wigle Whiskey is expanding its space and spirits in Northside with the announcement of Threadbare Cider. Located within walking distance of the barrelhouse on Spring Garden Avenue, the new building is a former tannery from the 1840s, which will be turned in
Photo by Neil Strebig
Randyland creator, Randy Gilson, takes time to paint a new road sign for his colorful map display along 1501 Arch St. in Central Northside. Gilson started the expansive art project over 30 years ago and continues to add to the collection with new projects like “Thinkerers.” By Neil Strebig Own it; that’s Randy Gilson in a nutshell. He’s a firecracker of optimism. He embodies positivity. He conquers the unknown. If creativity was a drug he’d be a pusher. “If things make you happy in a certain way don’t be afraid to absorb it. Absorb it and let it be your teacher. It teaches you something about yourself,” Gilson said. Gilson, 59, is the creator of Randyland, a fabled Northside attraction located in the heart of Central Northside’s Mexican War Streets. His abstract self-described “folk art” has become a staple in the community.
“It is an image now. Before it was just a journey,” he said. The vibrant colors, the insanity of recycling garbage into art and the overwhelming presence of Gilson’s larger-than-life personality create a culmination of beauty. Randyland is world-renowned for its abstract art forms, but the true meaning of Randyland can be found in Gilson. The concept of self-expression, self-confidence and giving back to your community are all virtues’ that today’s society constantly over look. Yet, to Gilson a self-described “crazy old fart,” all of this comes as second nature. Take his newest, off-the-wall
creation, ‘Thinkerers,’ which are hand-painted slate roof shingles Gilson collected and turned into faces. Some look cosmic, some resemble tribal witch doctors, festive masks and others are just regular faces. Together all of these shingles can make a roof, completing the construction of a house. Gilson’s message; we’re all different, but we’re all connected. “Open your heart. You need to love yourself,” Gilson said before adding one of his many ‘Randyisms.’ “If you want your battery to run, make yourself happy.” Despite having a troubled childhood, an impoverished adoSee Gilson, Page 21
See Cider, Page 8