Ronelle Ashby is the founder, owner and chief collector for Ashby Art & Antiques.

An “irrepressible aesthete,” Ronelle would have been as comfortable in the past century -- among Victorian travelers and collectors -- as she is among contemporary, emerging artists from around the world today. Having always been drawn not only to beauty, but also to the unusual and curious, she furnishes the Ashby Art & Antiques gallery as she does her own home.

Paintings she selects for the Ashby gallery, whether traditional, contemporary or abstract -- share important aspects of quality and the ability to engage the emotions.

Art objects are chosen to adorn not only the home, but the body as well. Whimsical or elegant, exotic or funky, startling or serene, the entire Ashby collection delights the eye and the spirit.

At Left: Ronelle with one of her favorite current works in the gallery: "Big Bear Meets the Jester" by Peter LoCascio, 43"x43," acrylic on canvas, $900