Framing a lifelong career in art

When Jeff Beja made the decision to open a framing business in Brooklyn nearly 30 years ago in an effort to put himself through college, he couldn’t have predicted that his love for art would lead him to continue that career in Cedarhurst well after graduation.

Beja, who grew up in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn, was introduced to art while in college at New York University, where he studied finance and economics. “I enjoy the creativity of art,” he said. “The definitive nature of art always culminates into something new. Art makes people happy and provokes thought.”

Twenty-eight years ago Beja opened Central Galleries on Central Avenue in Cedarhurst and last month he decided to relocate to a larger space at 116 Spruce Street. “Cedarhurst is a nice neighborhood with a small town feeling and upscale stores,” he said. “The people here are really pleasant and are always challenging us to come up with innovative ways to frame odd objects.”

Monica Glaubach, a Lawrence resident, has been a customer of Central Galleries for 16 years. “I’ve bought artwork there, had baby and wedding pictures, as well as sports memorabilia framed there,” she said. “Jeff is a really nice guy; he bends over backwards for you.”

When Glaubach moved from Woodmere to Lawrence, Beja took all 60 pictures of hers down, wrapped them, put them in storage and then went to her new home to hang them. “He’s very accommodating and the relocation is perfect because there’s more room to showcase the artwork and parking is going to be amazing; it was an excellent move,” she said.

According to Beja, his staff has greatly contributed to the success of his business. “My staff is fantastic,” he said. “I’m blessed and lucky to have such good staff who customers trust.”

Sales associate Bruce Haworth has been working at Central Galleries for the past six years. “It’s a fun place; I like the people, the job and the work,” he said. “I hope business grows as much as it has because Jeff deserves it, he’s really a nice guy.”

Customer feedback about the relocation has been great, Beja said. “So many people have come in to wish us good luck,” he said. “People are so happy and it seems to be exciting for everyone who lives here to see an art gallery expanding in their town; it’s a sense of pride as not every village has an art gallery anymore. It’s made me feel really good.”