Without Friends, Nothing is Possible – Giving Thanks to All Those Who Work Hard Each Day
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 and programs the year sought to accomplish. Landscaping property upgrades, monster maintenance projects, studio repair and commissions, ambitious education programs and of course countless tours, workshops and events. 2025 has proven to be a very active and exciting year, just the way James intended it!
Below are compliments to each team member for their amazing efforts to serve Ilan-Lael’s mission in 2025, Here is what they have been up to!
Rhi Burmeister – Communications Coordinator
Rhi has risen to the occasion time and time again for an extremely challenging event schedule in both 2024 and 2025. Rhi takes on extra responsibilities, works with genuine enthusiasm and passion for art and thinks critically about Ilan Lael’s future goals. She has balanced Garden and property maintenance with a role in coordinating nearly every major event Ilan-Lael has hosted, Ilan-Lael is thriving thanks to Rhi’s effort and passion. Thank you Rhi!
Laurel Costa – Operations Manager and Archivist
Laurel’s dedication and passion for all things Hubbell are what drives her each day. She has helped create a beautiful catalog and archive for the Hubbell Art Collection while simultaneously supporting the programs, events and maintenance efforts at Ilan-lael. Keep it up Laurel!
Benjamin Gadbois – Studio Forman
Ben has been a primary player in Ilan-Lael’s many new construction, maintenance repair and restoration projects for several years. This summer he took on the responsibility as Studio Foreman to help our Big Studio thrive as an art making and multi functional space. In addition he has taken on additional teaching responsibilities with the new Palomar, classes Ben is a stellar teammate and gifted artist. Thank goodness we have you Ben!
Marianne Gerdes – Executive Director
Marianne has been leading the charge for more than 20 years at Ilan-Lael. She has the honor and challenge of providing strength and support to a grieving community of Hubbell supporters whilst giving hope for the future of Ilan-Lael as a significant regional art center. In 2025 she also took on the role of Studio Manager and has been championing the progress and growth of Ilan-Lael. Thank you Marianne for all you do!
Connor Hubbell – Caretaker and Maintenance
Connor spends 7 nights a week at Ilan-Lael dedicated to the care and preservation of Ilan-Lael. He is a wonderful musician and artist, following closely in his Father and Grandfather’s footsteps by taking inspiration from nature at every opportunity. Connor has honed his mosaic repair skills and is taking on the restoration of dozens of mosaics across the whole property. Deepest Thanks to you Connor!
Dylan Hubbell – Caretaker and Maintenance
Dylan is an enthusiastic, hard worker who will pitch in and help on any project. He takes the time to understand maintenance tasks and completes them with integrity and accuracy. Dylan has become such a wonderful teammate in the maintenance and preservation of Ilan-Lael and also serves as a part time caretaker. He has also helped significantly with the plans and execution of the new plaza upgrade. We are so lucky to have you Dylan!
Eric Indseth – Caretaker and Garden
Eric has taken volunteer service to a new level. He showed up with dedication and grit for many years as a volunteer and then helped develop a new model of Caretaking for Ilan-Lael that includes rotating shifts for 3 people. He is an extremely resourceful gardener and has done hundreds of hours to care for the grounds and landscape of Ilan-Lael. He uses his past experience to make sure our annual events are well supported and well functioning. We are so glad you came to us Eric!
Mary Ann Prue – Studio Secretary Emeritus
Although Mary Ann has finally “technically” retired – hilariously, she attempted to retire for the last 10 years but no one seemed to agree she could– she worked with such dedication over so many years it is imperative that we sing her praises and shower her in gratitude for eternity. Mary Ann worked as the Hubbell Studios secretary for over +30 years, she has a wealth of knowledge about “Mr Hubbell”( her favorite name for Jim). She has been a wonderful friend to us and we will probably never stop calling her to ask random questions. Thank you Mary Ann for your exquisite service and dedication.
Mati Rosa Moon – Program Coordinator
An educational superstar, Mati has worked extremely hard to transform Ilan-Lael’s educational programing and bring it to the next level. She has spent the last two years writing grants and developing programs that are having a significant impact on Ilan-Lael’s ability to serve the community near and far. Mati is a creative soul that revels when paying it forward to young artists and helping the community thrive. Our deepest Thanks to you Mati!
Cindy Mushet Shriver – Artist and Instructor
Cindy has championed countless challenging repairs and complex builds including the massive Triton Mermaid window with her expertise and stellar craftsmanship. Cindy carries the torch of Hubbell craft and pays honor to James each time she joins a project. She is also serving the community with her role as a stained glass instructor for High School Students, her knowledge and passion for art create so many meaningful relationships for young folks seeking skills. Thank you for your longtime dedication Cindy!
Dan Thoner – Artist and Woodworker
Dan’s creative talent is an inspiration to everyone at Ilan-Lael. He may be quiet but his strong and elegant designs in wood and glass speak loudly about his creative vision. We are so lucky to recommend Dan as a commission based artist to the art seekers in our community. Thanks for being amazing Dan!
John Wheelock – Blacksmith Emeritus
Big John is back! After 2 years of medical leave our beloved Big John is back in the studio polishing bronze and forging steel. John has been a dedicated employee and friend for around 30 years and we are so lucky to have him sharing knowledge with younger artists and spending his golden years with us. His skills are vast and his kindness is even more vast.
Read more about the Team and their Bios here: