Gary Erbe was born in Union City, NJ in 1944. A self-taught artist, he took a job as an engraver in 1965 to support his family while he pursued painting in his free time. He began to exhibit paintings in 1970 and by 1972 he had a studio in Union City. Erbe has had solo exhibitions in numerous American museums; was president of the Allied Artists of America from 1994-2005 (currently Emeritus); and received a number of medals and awards for his work. He currently keeps a studio in Nutley, NJ.

In January of 2026, a national touring retrospective exhibit was organized by the Butler Institute of American Art: "Gary Erbe: Magical World" explores 55 years of paintings and assemblages created by Erbe.