Art Worth Millions found in Long Island Garage

Piles of art by an artist Arthur Pinajian who lived and worked in a Bellport bungalow could be worth millions, according to experts who have appraised the pieces. Although the mold and water damage has occurred on some pieces, the collection is still worth double digits in the millions. 20-30 estimated value in auction is what has been said.

The buyers of the old home found thousands of paintings, drawings and journals stacked away in the garage. Arthur Pinajian art has been appraised and is being sold at very high prices.

Not many have heard of the artist now being hailed by some as the great Armenian-American Abstract Expressionist.

Pinajian painted in virtual secrecy in his modest cottage for a quarter century and then another 25 years after until his death in 1999 at the age 85.

Now, William Hastings Falk, once hired to appraise art from the Andy Warhol estate, says the Pinajian collection is a potentially worth millions.

Already, pieces have been sold at Stephanie’s Fine Art near Los Angeles, and galleries in Bellport and upstate Woodstock have fetched $500,000. A 50-painting exhibit showcasing Pinajian’s abstract landscapes runs through Sunday at Manhattan’s Fuller Building.

When his sister, Armen, died in 2005, relatives put the home up for sale. Thomas Schultz of Bellport says he and author-investor Lawrence Joseph were looking to buy the cheapest house in the village to flip for a profit. The asking price for the house on Country Club Road was $300,000 “as is.”

While inspecting the premises, Schultz came across piles of art in the detached garage and some of it damaged by mildew and rodents.