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Story and Photography by Visiting Artist Fellow, Marshall Williams I’m standing in the kitchen with my camera set on a tripod. Luis Garcia and I have scouted out the shots we hope to make. A car pulls up, and before long I am being introduced to Anne Hubbell, her kind blue eyes set off by…
A short visit to the home and studio of James Hubbell reveals the true nature of this historic site; amidst the rhythmic strike of metal, the roar of the forge, and the sharp whine of the table saw, it is unmistakably a living art space. For four consecutive years the Ilan-Lael Foundation has invited San…
Star Volunteer and Ambassador Includes ILF in Her Will By Rhi Burmeister Many of you in the Ilan-Lael community have had the pleasure of meeting Joyce Howard. Since 2022, Joyce has been an exceptionally dedicated and active docent at Ilan-Lael, sharing the vision and history of the foundation with visitors. She isn’t just a volunteer;…
Gold Will Always Shine: A Journey to the Pacific Rim Park By Catherine Wang, Edited by Rhi Burmeister From June 28 to July 28, 2018, a group of young student volunteers gathered in Yantai, Shandong Province, China. Recommended by the architecture departments of their respective universities, these students hailed from the United States, Russia, South…
By Marianne Gerdes On a bright winter afternoon, sunlight animates an exposed adobe brick wall on Ilan-Lael’s Living Room/Kitchen building. Across the way at Jim’s Studio, another patch of adobe is open to the elements. It’s captivating to see these historic materials partially exposed to reveal Jim Hubbell’s organic building ideas. But what’s actually happening…
KPBS’s Museum A Month – March Feature Ilan-Lael Foundation is honored to be featured in this month’s KPBS Museum A Month series! A heartfelt thank you to John Carroll, Mike Damron and the entire KPBS team for capturing the unique spirit and artistry of our home. Massive thank you to Melody Hernandez for the beautiful…
The llan-Lael Foundation has partnered with Circle Center Art Gardens to present a rare, invitation-only exhibition celebrating the extraordinary creative partnership of three influential artists: James Hubbell, Peter Mitten, and Wendell Perry. The event—titled Collaborators and Friends: James Hubbell, Peter Mitten & Wendell Perry—takes place on Sunday February 22, 2026, showcasing an exceptional collection of…
Roberleigh H. Claigh was the eldest sister of James Hubbell, born May 23rd, 1930 and departed life on October 27, 2017. Her birth name was Anne, but she later changed it to Roberleigh based on her study of numerology and astrology. She was a dancer in her youth, published author, a master astrologer-numerologist, Huna teacher,…
By Peter Jensen, Ilan-Lael Board Member New to San Diego 45 years ago, I was writing about interesting houses for a local magazine. In the first months after my arrival, I kept hearing the same thing: “Have you been out to Jim Hubbell’s place? You must go! You just must!” “Out” meant the tree-bearded hills…
To say we have an incredible team at Ilan-Lael would be a terrible understatement. It’s more accurate to say we have a magical team that can move mountains – of art for exhibition – and build bridges – of everlasting impact and connection. Ilan-Lael’s staff has grown to 10 people to accomplish the great projects…
Join Us! Pacific Rim Park Picnic Saturday, November 22nd 11am – 3pm Pearl of the Pacific at Shelter Island This year’s classic Hubbell potluck style gathering is designed for reflection and connection. We want to celebrate with you the enduring spirit of friendship and the magnificence of the Pacific Ocean. We encourage you to bring…
By Rhiannon Burmeister, Visiting Artist Liaison and Communications Coordinator If you’ve spent time in San Diego, you’ve become well acquainted with James Hubbell’s significant touch on the region. His work provides elegance and beauty to houses of worship, whimsy to nature trails and parks, and a touch of magic to private homes. The home of…
What truly set this year’s Harvest Moon celebration apart was the vibrant atmosphere and the seamless blend of old traditions with fresh, exciting additions. Guests were thrilled to mingle, forging new connections and delighting in the chance to reminisce and catch up with cherished friends and neighbors. The embrace of the Foundation’s newly renovated plaza…
This summer, amid the sunbaked stillness of the Anza-Borrego Desert, something quietly beautiful took root. A team from the Ilan-Lael Foundation, founded by the late artist and visionary James Hubbell, journeyed each week to the remote Butterfield Community to bring art — and with it, connection, creativity, and healing — to local youth. What started…
The Ilan-Lael Foundation is proud to announce its 2025 Visiting Artist Program, which builds upon the success of the inaugural 2024 program and honors the visionary spirit of founder James Hubbell.Eight immensely talented and prominent artists have agreed to be Ilan-Lael’s Visiting Artists for 2025. This program is designed to welcome artists to the property…
The Hubbell/Ilan-Lael/Colegio ConnectionArt, music, movement, and architecture have changed the way a community sees itself. Christine Brady, James Hubbell, and a merry band of volunteers prove it so! By Marianne Gerdes The Colegio La Esperanza campus in Tijuana buzzes with activity on a sunny Saturday morning. Brassy trumpets, vibrant violins, and strumming guitars fill the…
Ilan-Lael Studios has been restoring a large and impressive Triton Mermaid/Albatross window, a James Hubbell original that was a feature at the Triton Restaurant in Cardiff for more than 40 years. Left: The Triton window with diners in 1974. Photo by Bill Porter. Right: Shortly before Ilan-Lael studio artists removed the window before the building…
James Hubbell has enjoyed the support of fans and collectors throughout the years. But few have promoted him as generously as Elizabeth Van Hunnick. Elizabeth and her husband Rudy, a long-time board member of the Oceanside Museum of Art, have been avid Hubbell supporters and came to know of him through their shared support for…
The Photography of James Hubbell By Laurel Costa, ArchivistPhotos by James Hubbell “Recent discoveries in the Ilan-Lael archive reveal a trove of photographs taken by James himself.” The world knows James Hubbell as a man of many talents: prolific poet, philosopher, sculptor, painter, designer, and builder. Not surprisingly, he was also a talented photographer….
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR A VERY SPECIAL EVENING at Ilan-Lael Sunday, October 5th 2025 HARVEST MOON FUNDRAISER Illuminating the Path to Our future Sunday October 5, 20253:00pm – 8:00pm Join us for a special evening under the stars at Ilan-Lael, James and Anne Hubbell’s inspiring home and studios in Julian. Live Music, Nature and ArtAmidst…
Introducing Saturday Socials at Ilan-Lael Tour, Sip &Mingle Included in our traditional Saturday afternoon tour, guests are invited to stick around afterwards, mingle with friends and enjoy a selection of delicious local wines. Each Saturday Social one of our favorite creative experts will be joining the group to give a special presentation. Topics will range…