New York is the center of the world, and Manhattan is its beating heart. It’s here that Elena Stepkina, a renowned artist and visionary, created a unique space where art becomes more accessible to everyone. BE ART Gallery is not just a gallery; it is the embodiment of a new philosophy for engaging with art.

How It All Began

The idea of opening a gallery came to Elena naturally. Having participated in numerous exhibitions worldwide, she deeply understood the challenges artists face. “I know this industry inside and out,” Elena explains. “I wanted to create a space with a fundamentally different approach, where artists feel valued, and visitors can connect with art without barriers.”

This ambition became the foundation of BE ART Gallery. One of its standout innovations is the inclusion of QR codes on artwork labels. By scanning them, visitors gain direct access to the artist’s profile, allowing them to view additional works, learn the artist’s story, and even contact them directly. “It’s a step into a new era where art and technology go hand in hand”, Elena says.

BE ART: Philosophy and Mission

The gallery’s name, BE ART, reflects Elena’s core belief: art is everywhere, and it exists within each of us if we only learn to see it. “This name has been with me for over 10 years,” she says. “My projects always help people discover the art within themselves and share it with the world.”

The gallery’s mission is to “Bring art closer to the people.” Here, art is presented not as something distant and inaccessible but as a language everyone can understand.

A Coveted Location

BE ART Gallery is located in the heart of Manhattan, on West 41st Street, just two minutes from Times Square. “We saw the space in late December and immediately knew it was the one,” Elena recalls. “We invested all our savings into this project, going all in because we believed that art deserved a place at the center of the world.”

Two months later, the gallery’s first exhibition was held. Since then, seven international exhibitions and two competitions have taken place in the space.

Innovations That Inspire

One of the gallery’s most ambitious projects is the publication of the book Be Art World, now available in 49 countries. It features nearly 200 artists selected by Elena and her team. “This book is about people. Art isn’t just something abstract in museums; it’s living stories, emotions, and inspiration. We wanted to convey that to the world,” she explains.

A Space for Every Form of Art

The gallery hosts exhibitions for painters, photographers, and digital artists. “We showcase everything that can be hung on a wall,” Elena says with a laugh. “But behind this simplicity is a careful selection process. Each piece carries a unique energy.”

Personal Creativity

As an artist herself, Elena actively continues to create. On her birthday, she hosted a solo exhibition featuring works she painted during her first six months in the United States. Her paintings, filled with emotion and energy, resonated deeply with the audience.

A Gathering Place for All

BE ART Gallery is more than just an exhibition space. Every week, workshops on painting, art meditation, and art therapy take place there. “We wanted the gallery to be a space where people come not only for inspiration but also for knowledge, emotions, and new experiences,” Elena explains.

The gallery has also become a venue for filming and interviews with exhibiting artists. It has created a welcoming atmosphere for anyone passionate about art.

BE ART Gallery in Manhattan exemplifies how personal passion and boldness can lead to a large-scale project that redefines art. Elena Stepkina has proven that art is not just paintings on walls but also the stories, emotions, and innovative approaches behind them. BE ART Gallery is a place where everyone can feel like part of a vast creative world.

Author: Ginger S Hale