Gerard’s interest in art began at eight years old when he met Betty Parsons on the way to the beach. Years later he organized a field trip to the Museum of Modern Art and missed football practice. Much to the dismay of the coach, Gerard’s commitment to Art was cemented. He attended California College of Arts and Crafts for one year, and returned to New York to attend Rockland County Community College in which he was able to use the etching press for several years until he was able to purchase one of his own. Gerard worked in various fields before being an artist full time; leasing an ice cream truck and becoming a local ice cream man, working on an apple farm, painting boats in a boat yard, and selling hot apple cider (his own recipe) near the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was during the apple cider foray that he became acquainted with several fine artists exhibiting on the sidewalks. Soon after, he joined along side them. The public loved his colorful vignettes of hand painted etchings. Often lines would form to purchase his art. Within a few years he had thousands of collectors around the world, including celebrities. Years later, Gerard traveled tothe US Virgin Islands with his family to exhibit twice a year at the Tillet Gardens Art Center, His etchings and paintings can still be found in shops and galleries throughout St. Thomas, St. John, and Tortola. On three occasions, Gerard also visited Dubai where he was given permission to paint in public, experiencing large crowds for an audience.

Presently Gerard’s artwork can be found in many diverse collections internationally as well as in solo and group exhibitions around the world, and he annually exhibits his artwork at the Guild Hall Clothesline Sale in East Hampton.