It was the summer of 1977, just a few months after turning 13, Jeff Beja went out with his older brother, Mitchell to Emmons Avenue in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, New York to sell pictures. At 13, and over the next 8 years Jeff learned a lot about selling art, and life from his older brother, Mitchell.
Bejart was opened by Jeff Beja at the age of 18. The year before that, Jeff got chased away, almost getting arrested trying to sell pictures on the streets in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn.
Opening in 1983, Bejart was the predecessor art company to Central Galleries in the Five Towns.
Canarsie Art and Frame was the predecessor picture framing company to Central Galleries back in Brooklyn, New York. It was opened on East 92nd street and Avenue L in July of 1984.
Central Galleries was established on Central Avenue in Lawrence, Long Island, New York in September, 1985.
Jeff Beja was still in college when he opened Central Galleries in 1985. He graduated from NYU with a degree in economics and finance in 1987 while running Central Galleries.
Sometimes knowing how to pick the artists before they become successful can be more valuable than knowing how to define all of the "isms" in art. The best thing he ever got out of NYU was his wife Patty.
A graduate of NYU herself with a degree in marketing, Patty Beja continued to work in the company while raising the couple's four children.
Since its inception Central Galleries has prospered and expanded 3 times. Central Galleries has hosted dozens of artist receptions and continues to support the arts and participate in many charitable events throughout Long Island.
