AW Spotlight
The Wellington Equestrian Gallery and Mall
By Krista Martinelli
It’s the second year of the Wellington Equestrian Gallery and Mall, and they have moved to a bigger storefront, offering even more of a variety of unique gifts and art. Founder Jack Van Dell explains that there was nothing like this for the equestrians who come to Wellington, a group of people who make a big difference in our economy and our footprint on the global map. While the Wellington Equestrian Festival gives space to vendors, a place for special equestrian gifts and works of art was needed in an indoor facility.
The Wellington Equestrian Art Gallery and Mall brings an eclectic mix of beautiful things to the public – including Van Dell jewelry, beautiful Pingo handbags from Argentina, Susan Painter pottery, Wellington & Co. Antiques, equestrian-themed jewelry by Suzanne Werson, accessories with bling from Glitz & Glam and much, much more. At the front of the shop stands a life-size horse sculpture to be painted by four or five local artists.
Another fun, unexpected item to be found is the Aerobic Cruiser, a hybrid cycle that can be motorized or peddled and go up to 24 miles per hour. And other great gift items are beautiful dog collars and belts made in Kenya, and a portion of proceeds go back to the original artists in Kenya. It’s a place that defies categories or description with so much to see.
[nggallery id=351]The owner and founder of the gallery Jack Van Dell is perhaps one of the most interesting people you’ll meet Around Wellington, and this is really just a small project for him, compared with other projects in the works. He owns Van Dell Jewelry, and began with his first store 35 years ago when moving down to Wellington to play polo. Producing custom jewelry is an art form and a family business for the Van Dells. Locally they produce five or six custom jewelry pieces a day. They specialize in sterling silver and 14K / 18K gold fine jewelry. “We have the craftsman, designers, model makers, diamond setters and every type of skilled person needed, all in our shop,” says Van Dell. His Van Dell Jewelry shops are located in the Publix Shopping Center at Wellington Trace and Greenview Shores (same plaza as the Wellington Equestrian Gallery and Mall) and also in Royal Palm Beach on Southern Boulevard.
His other big project is creating a Horse Park, a place for a quarter horse show, at the fields at Stribling Road and 441. It’s a proposed 148 million dollar project that is projected to bring over a million dollars in revenue to Wellington every year and to create between 400 – 600 full-time and part-time jobs. Different from the other English horse–based shows and projects in town, the Horse Park would be a “horse show ground dedicated to the American quarter horse.” The plan includes covered show rings, a teaching facility, two hotels, 65,000 feet of retail space, and a 5,000 seat event center for all varieties of events like concerts, rodeos and conferences.
Needless to say, Van Dell is always busy. “God didn’t put you on the face of this Earth to retire,” he says. He feels lucky that in his family, “Work to us is fulfilling” and they love what they do.
Van Dell is happy about the changes in the Wellington Equestrian Gallery and Mall this year – a handful of world-renowned artists and more of a variety in the gift items to be found. The gifts appeal to everyone, not just equestrians. He explains that there is nothing else like this gallery in South Florida “or possibly in all of Florida.”
As the equestrian season gets underway, there will be artists working on their paintings on the sidewalk, right outside of the gallery. This will add a nice touch to the whole plaza, and residents will get the chance to see the artists in action.
Van Dell is always on the look out for more vendors for the Wellington Equestrian Gallery and Mall. He can be contacted at the Van Dell Jewelry store (561) 753-7937. And if the gallery becomes full, the artist can always be put on the list for next year’s gallery.
Jack Van Dell is constantly thinking of ways to improve upon our Wellington community with both the gallery and the Horse Park project. He’s particular about non-profit organizations, as some of them have been known to only provide 10% of the funds (for example) to the actual good cause. However, a few of his favorite local non-profits that he believes in include: Vinceremos, Hospice of Palm Beach County, the Boys and Girls Club of Wellington and the ASPCA.
He has two sons, one who works as a paralegal in the Boston area and one son who is currently working with him on the Horse Park project here in Wellington.
As for the Wellington Equestrian Gallery and Mall, it’s a place you need to see and it’s a place that adds culture to Wellington. “There’s something for everyone!” says Van Dell.
The Wellington Equestrian Gallery & Mall
13920 Wellington Trace, Ste. 44 (New Location!)
At Wellington Marketplace
Wellington, FL33414
Open Mon – Wed. from 10am to 6pm
Open Thursday – Saturday, 10am to 8pm
(561) 793-4427