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DEBORAH SPONDER | SPONDER GALLERY

What started out as a generous installation of 15 sculptures throughout the property grounds in 2009 has ballooned into a farreaching, collaborative relationship with the Sponder Gallery, which continues to showcase important works of art in its on-property gallery. Deborah Sponder, president of Sponder Gallery, details the decades-plus relationship with The Boca Raton and highlights an intriguing new sculpture found on the property.

How did the relationship with The Boca Raton begin?

The gallery has been based in Boca Raton since 1989, and the ponder family have been Club members for more than 30 years. We've expanded our resort program over time, beginning in 2009, to include paintings, prints and mixed-media works. We believe in the transformative properties of art, and as art dealers, we have a responsibility to present our artists' works in the best possible way. This location is the ideal example, as we have created an unexpected aesthetic by placing our contemporary artworks in a historic atmosphere, while adding an interactive amenity for guests and members. Self-guided and docent-led tours are available. Recently, we collaborated with designer Colin Cowie on the Beach Club refresh, and architecture firm Rockwell Group on various Harborside redesign projects.

Where can we find Sponder Gallery?

Our gallery space has moved to the retail hallway connecting the Cloister lobby to Mizner Center, directly across from MB Supper Club. This venue provides museum- quality works for acquisition, while adding an educational and cultural enhancement to the property.

Tell us more about the Gino Miles piece, "Nurture, 2021."

"Nurture" was created by Gino Miles and was installed in December 2021, just in time for the resort and club's ribbon cutting. It is at Harborside, inside the main entry courtyard, where we have a sculpture garden with four pieces by rotating artists. Miles works primarily in fabricated stainless steel and bronze, focusing on elegant minimalism with cleanliness of line and shape. Many of Miles' sculptures are kinetic and can be turned, rotated, or even spun, allowing observers to change the piece at their leisure and experience it from a different viewpoint. Inspired by the meandering and knotting of morning glory vines, he is also fascinated by nature's ability to weave itself so exquisitely into a knot-a historic symbol of unity and connection. In addition, Miles' work draws from studies of ancient cultures in Italy and Greece, including the ancient columns that symbolize humanity's passage through time.

Link to full magazine here.