Ilan-Lael Beginnings

The Ilan-Lael Foundation was founded in 1982 by James and Anne Hubbell. The not-for-profit organization sponsored public art projects, lectures, seminars and exhibitions in both San Diego and Tijuana. The Foundation has always collaborated with friends to accomplish things. Some of the programs that have been co-founded with Ilan-Lael include ArtWalk San Diego, KidzArt, and an award-winning newsletter about San Diego city planning and design issues called Hidden Leaves.

Ilan-Lael translates to Hebrew “a tree that belongs to God,” integrating art, nature and community in a dynamic setting. The name Ilan-Lael was first given by artist James Hubbell and his wife Anne to the structures they designed and built as both their family home and art studios. The property received historic designation in 2008. Today the Ilan-Lael Foundation serves as an art education and nature center, a retreat space, and a place for all those seeking inspiration in beauty, art and natural surroundings.

Hubbell started building the first of eleven organically-inspired structures in 1958. The intent was to create a home that appeared to grow out the landscape using the natural shape and materials of the land. The first few structures were built with no bulldozers, all footings were hand-dug and wildflowers were kept and appreciated for their beauty. The architectural styles of the buildings are influenced by adobe structures in New Mexico, where Hubbell lived for a time as a boy. Each building incorporates intricate details including mosaic murals, soaring arches, stained glass windows and a balance of natural materials from seashells to gemstones.