But the real icon is Gilson himself. An eccentric folk artist, Gilson created a child-like art installation in his backyard and invited the world to experience it for free. A walk through his garden is a glimpse into his brain - an explosion of colors with subtle surprises. He added life and whimsy to everything there - walls, fences, sidewalks, and once-drab lawn ornaments, all reimagined into pieces of art. “I’m very silly,” said Gilson, 64, on a recent afternoon, his eyes bright. He was in his workshop on the first floor of his home, wearing one of his signature paint-splattered shirt and pants, his graying hair in a ponytail.