Two pigs that were collected and placed outside of Randyland

By Erika Kellerman

When you do more for others, you find that you do more for yourself.  And that’s the story of Randyland.

With the vast amount of travesty and tragedy in the media, it’s hard to stay positive. Some days you may not feel like getting out of bed or going outside, but then there are other days that remind you of what a great place this world can be.

In 1995, artist Randy Gilson decided to buy a building. His friend began to call it “Randyland” as his art and expression took off. For over 30 years, Randyland has sat in the Northside; Gilson started Randyland as a way to clean up his neighborhood, filled with what he describes as “weeds and litter.”

Proclaimed as “the most colorful house in the world” by many visitors, Randyland is as unique as its name. From the outside, visitors see a cluster of bright colors and random items collected over the years by Gilson and guests from all over the world.

It reads on Gilson’s website, “The more people that helped, the more I realized that I have so much more to give.” Randyland’s main purpose is to make people happy.

When visiting Randyland, Gilson can be seen running around making sure to ask people their names and where they’re from. He gives stories about life and positive motivation to guests, no matter if they want to talk to him or not.

Randyland is open every day from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. No admission fee is required, but donations are always welcome.

Randyland’s Totem Pole