Gary David has spent much of his life creating art that tells the story of his community. From rebuilding pieces of local history to crafting detailed woodwork by hand, David’s work has become a lasting part of Potosi. His passion for woodworking started at a young age and eventually grew into projects that helped preserve the town’s history for future generations.
After graduating from the University of Nebraska with an art degree, David and his wife moved to New York City for eight years before settling in Salem, Illinois. Fifteen years later, they returned to Potosi because “this was still home to me.” Returning home inspired him to use his artistic talents to benefit the community he cared about most.
One of David’s most recognizable projects is the informational kiosk in town. The idea came after one of the oldest buildings in Potosi was torn down. David felt the community needed something meaningful to replace it. “After they tore down one of the oldest buildings in town, I thought they needed something for information,” David said. His son Tyler helped build the structure, and David believes “it should last 75 to 100 years.” The kiosk serves as a source of information, including eight panels of education about our driftless area, along with information on our rivers, but it is also as a reminder of the importance of preserving local history.
David’s love for woodworking began with his father. “My dad did a lot with wood, and it just got in my blood.” That passion has now been passed down to his own son. Working with wood allows David to create pieces that are both artistic and practical, turning raw materials into something meaningful. He is most known for his work with multi-colored, uniquely shaped candlesticks and walking sticks.
David also played a major role in the reconstruction of the Potosi Brewery alongside Rick Tobin. The brewery had been closed for years before Rick Tobin purchased it at a courthouse sheriff’s sale for just $6,630. From there, the project slowly grew through years of hard work. “We installed a foundation, got grants, had fundraising events, and everything kept progressing from that point until what you see today.” The brewery eventually became one of the most recognized landmarks in the community and the state, and is now run as a non-profit organization.
Although David has spent decades working on large projects, he says the most enjoyable part of his work is much simpler. “Probably going out to my woodlot, cutting down the big oaks and walnut trees, sawing them into boards, and then making something out of them.” The process of creating something from scratch is what makes woodworking rewarding. When asked about his favorite pieces he has created, David said two projects stand above the rest: the brewery’s bar and back bar, and the altar at Holy Ghost Church. Both projects required incredible dedication and craftsmanship. “They both took about 2,000 hours to build.”
Through his artwork and woodworking, Gary David has helped preserve the history and identity of Potosi. His projects are more than just pieces of wood. They are symbols of community pride, history, and hard work that will remain for generations to come.