David Gerbstadt, a Berwyn artist, spreads happiness wherever he goes with his colorful signs, sculptures, and paintings, writes Samantha Verrelli for Savvy Main Line. 

Gerbstadt’s art is simple, happy, accessible, and affordable. He makes most of the lawn signs from reclaimed wood and wire, and crafts sculptures from found objects. His neighbors and friends are also happy to drop off paint, canvases, and castoffs. 

He leaves his art next to trails and on train platforms, among other places, and usually, they are gone within hours. Sometimes people pay for them and sometimes they do not, but it does not bother him either way. 

“I try to put some good in the world, because sometimes it’s just too much crap,” said Gerbstadt. 

He sold or gave away thousands of signs and buttons with uplifting messages like Be Kind, You Are Loved, and You Matter, especially during the pandemic. 

“I get emails all the time and people texting me: ‘Thank you. I was on the [Radnor] Trail today and I was having a crappy day. I saw your painting and it made me happy. It really lifted my day,’” he said. “Hearing that is better than having money.” 

Read more about David Gerbstadt in Savvy Main Line.