A Legacy in Bronze & Bonds
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 sculptures, watercolors, and collages by James Hubbell and new sculpture by Peter Mitten and Wendell Perry, many of which have never before been exhibited to the public. This one-time gathering illuminates the remarkable four-decade relationship between Hubbell and two of his longtime artistic collaborators, sculptor and educator Petter Mitten and master foundry artist Wendell Perry.
This special exhibit celebrates the bonds of artistic collaborations that inspired lifelong careers and unique individual paths. Hubbell, Perry and Mitten worked in support of each other, while quietly developing as masters in their respective trades and worked to share their knowledge through education. The newly developed Circle Center Art Garden is debuting as a champion for celebrating artists informed by the natural environment and promoting exploration of the arts through engagement with nature, a kindred spirit and vision to Ilan-Lael.
About Wendell Perry:
Sculptor and foundry master Wendell Perry is honoring his long creative partnership with renowned artist James Hubbell—a collaboration and friendship that began in the late 1980s and evolved into nearly three decades of influential artistic work.
Perry was first introduced to Hubbell by fellow sculptor Peter Mitten, who believed the two would form a creative alliance through Perry’s foundry, Artworks of Fallbrook. The introduction proved pivotal. The three artists soon began casting Hubbell’s smaller bronze works, laying the foundation for a productive and enduring working relationship.
As Hubbell’s confidence in Perry’s craftsmanship grew, so did the scale and ambition of their projects. Throughout the 1990s and into 2005, Perry worked on some of Hubbell’s major large-scale sculptures, including the iconic Sea Nymph, now prominently installed along San Diego’s Shelter Island waterfront.
Perry is debuting several large scale steel sculptures, his most recent piece inspired by a small rock he found many decades ago hoping to one day bring it to life as a large sculpture.
About Peter Mitten:
Renowned sculptor and professor Peter Mitten is reflecting on his more than 40-year professional and personal relationship with celebrated artist and sculptor James Hubbell—a collaboration that shaped significant artistic work and inspired generations of emerging sculptors.
Mitten, widely respected for his mastery of foundry processes, first met Hubbell in the early 1980s with the hope that he might assist in casting Hubbell’s sculptural pieces. Mitten, who held deep admiration for Hubbell’s artistic vision, considered the opportunity a profound honor. What began as a creative collaboration soon blossomed into a trusted working partnership and a close friendship spanning four decades.
Mitten recalls being continually impressed by the confidence Hubbell placed in those around him. When Mitten once proposed building a foundry at Hubbell’s studio, Hubbell responded with immediate enthusiasm: “Do it!” Mitten notes that this unwavering support, optimism, and trust were hallmarks of Hubbell’s leadership.
Mitten is best known for his large contemporary outdoor sculptures and the use of cast and welded metals, his materials of choice usually being cast aluminum, iron, and bronze. His sculpture often makes reference to the landscape, especially canyon walls, outcroppings, and flowing water. He says that he feels an affinity in nature for things that are liquid that turn hard but retain their liquid look. He likes the chops in the earth that one sees when construction crews are blasting through a mountain to make a road – the history of all the layers revealed, showing how liquids have come together and made something really beautiful in nature.
“I don’t want to imitate the look of nature, but to accept it as stimulus in terms of color, form, and surface structure – especially structure”. – Peter Mitten
The collaboration extended beyond sculpture. A deep friendship formed among Hubbell, Perry, and Mitten—rooted in shared creativity, mutual respect, and a commitment to artistic excellence. Hubbell welcomed both artists to his Julian art compound, where they taught students the refined skills of foundry work, continuing a legacy of mentorship and hands-on artistic learning.
Here is a sneak preview of some of the Hubbell art that will be available for sale at this upcoming event. Each one of these pieces are a unique and rare opportunity to own master craftwork.
Opus: James described sculpture as, “ an introduction to an inner world, a world of light and shadow, hue, form, materials and the voice of another human”. The form of Opus communicates strength and grace, it invites the viewer to move around it and revel in the form and rhythm. This particular bronze is an extremely rare opportunity to own a large scale bronze cast, part of a series named “Opus” the latin word for work. The Opus series became some of Hubbell’s most iconic works. The only other edition is located at Ilan-Lael as part of the Hubbell Permanent Art Collection.
Collages: In 2014, Jim Hubbell was diagnosed with Parkinson disease, altering his ability to
create detailed drawings. Between 2014 and 2018 he made a series of collages that allowed him to express his creativity in a new format. He used found objects, broad brush strokes and experimental paint techniques to bring his visions to life without relying on the steady hand that led him reliably through art making his whole life. The collages are a part of a limited series that represent the essence of James Hubbell’s artistic resilience and philosophy. He said, “Sometimes our limitations are capable of taking us to good places.”
EVENT DETAILS:
Circle Center Art Gardens: 9705 Upas Lane, Escondido CA 92029
Sunday, February 22, 2026
11am – 3pm
James Hubbell’s sales proceeds to be donated to the Ilan-Lael Foundation.
RSVP: info@circlecentergallery.com