In the world of fine art, the meeting of vision, passion, and opportunity often creates something enduring. The Palm Beach Art Collection is one such story born out of the shared efforts of two dynamic women, Julie Roberts, a successful financial executive turned art entrepreneur, and Ellen Liman, a respected Palm Beach gallery owner and accomplished artist. Together, they founded a platform that combines the refinement of a traditional gallery with the accessibility of the modern digital marketplace, giving collectors around the world access to one-of-a-kind, high-quality works at exceptional value.
The Founders: A Meeting of Minds
The origins of The Palm Beach Art Collection are rooted in a personal and professional partnership. Julie Roberts first met Ellen Liman when Ellen served as a judge for an art show in which Roberts had won an award. Their paths crossed again years later when Liman faced a turning point: the closure of her celebrated gallery in the historic Paramount Building near the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach.
Ellen, who had been a cornerstone of the Palm Beach art scene for decades, sought Roberts’ expertise to evaluate her next steps. What began as a consulting project soon evolved into a shared vision. Rather than allowing the legacy of Liman’s gallery to fade, Roberts and Liman combined forces, experience, and passion to create a new kind of art platform.
The Birth of The Palm Beach Art Collection
In 2021, the pair co-founded The Palm Beach Art Collection, establishing an online presence that would carry forward Liman’s artistic legacy while opening new doors for artists and collectors alike. Their early inventory consisted of the Liman Gallery collection, works by Ellen herself, and Roberts’ own paintings.
To reach a global audience, they partnered with Artsy, the world’s largest online art marketplace, which boasts over 3 million collectors worldwide. This move ensured that their artists would not only be visible to Palm Beach visitors and residents but also to an international community of discerning buyers.
Growth and Expansion
What began as a modest collection has grown into an impressive and diverse inventory. Today, The Palm Beach Art Collection represents 23 artists and offers over 650 works by more than 80 artists, with an estimated $5 million in inventory.
The gallery features both established and emerging talent, with artists based not only in the United States but also internationally, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Sicily. This global perspective ensures a wide range of styles, techniques, and artistic voices.
A Unique Breadth of Offerings
One of the defining characteristics of The Palm Beach Art Collection is its breadth of artistic styles. From meticulous contemporary realism to bold, expressive abstraction, the collection offers something for every collector.
This range is intentional. Roberts and Liman emphasize accessibility, understanding that collectors come with diverse tastes, budgets, and preferences. By curating such a wide spectrum of works, the gallery positions itself as a versatile destination for both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers.
As Roberts explains, the breadth of offerings is especially important for collectors who may be hesitant about purchasing artwork they cannot view in person. While the online model provides unprecedented global reach, it also requires trust. The Palm Beach Art Collection addresses this by showcasing variety, quality, and value making the tradeoff worthwhile for collectors who value choice and exclusivity.
The Palm Beach Spirit: Local Roots, Global Reach
Although the gallery operates primarily online, its spirit remains deeply tied to Palm Beach. The name itself is a tribute to the area’s rich cultural heritage, where art has long played a central role in shaping the community’s identity.
Palm Beach is known for its sophistication, elegance, and appreciation of beauty qualities that resonate in the gallery’s offerings. Yet, by expanding to Artsy’s international platform, The Palm Beach Art Collection bridges the local with the global, offering artists exposure to an audience far beyond the island’s shores.
The Role of the Founders Today
Julie Roberts, as co-founder and owner, brings her financial acumen, entrepreneurial drive, and personal passion for art to the gallery’s operations. Her leadership ensures that the gallery continues to grow strategically while remaining true to its mission.
Ellen Liman, co-founder and consultant, continues to lend her extensive experience, artistic insight, and curatorial expertise. Her legacy as a Palm Beach gallery owner enriches the collection’s reputation and assures both artists and collectors of the gallery’s credibility.
Why Collectors Choose The Palm Beach Art Collection
Collectors are drawn to The Palm Beach Art Collection for several reasons:
- Diversity of Works – A range of styles from realism to abstraction ensures inclusivity.
- Global Artists – Representation of both U.S. and international talent broadens perspectives.
- Accessibility – Through Artsy, collectors worldwide can access the collection with ease.
- Value – The gallery’s mission is to provide “beautiful paintings at beautiful prices.”
- Legacy and Trust – With the credibility of Liman’s decades in the Palm Beach art scene and Roberts’ professional expertise, buyers can invest with confidence.
Looking Ahead
As The Palm Beach Art Collection continues to expand, Roberts and Liman remain committed to nurturing both artists and collectors. Their focus is not simply on selling art but on building relationships, fostering discovery, and creating a platform where beauty and accessibility coexist.
With a foundation rooted in Palm Beach elegance and a reach that extends worldwide, The Palm Beach Art Collection embodies the best of both worlds, honoring tradition while embracing innovation.
Conclusion
The Palm Beach Art Collection is more than a gallery; it is the story of two women who combined vision, resilience, and passion to transform a challenge into an opportunity. In doing so, they created a space where art flourishes, collectors thrive, and the spirit of Palm Beach lives on in every brushstroke.
