San Diego artist and humanitarian, James Hubbell. Courtesy photo
SAN DIEGO–Renowned San Diego artist and humanitarian, James Hubbell, is opening his Julian hand-built, artistic mountain retreat home to the public for the annual Father’s Day Tour benefiting the Ilan-Lael Foundation.
For more than 50 years the Hubbell’s have been building their art-inspired home and guests are invited to tour the iconic property’s eight main structures, including the art studios, the famous “Boys’ House,” and chapel, plus the first-ever chance to explore the near-completed Ilan-Lael Center. James, his wife Anne, and their family will also be greeting the public to share their inspirational stories and insights about the property.
“After the fire in 2003, I began thinking of the place as needing to be complete and needing to improve the flow,” said James Hubbell. “It meant adding the garden, the Quiet Place and finally a Center that would give focus to what was then separated structures. The Center will be the staging point for everything that will happen here, keeping our story, guiding and inviting guests to a world where nature and art and human vision are held in equal respect.”
The newest structure is the Ilan-Lael Center — the first building on the property for public use comprised of a public gallery, a storage space, administration building and an outdoor amphitheater. The newly opened center is a sanctuary for the public to tour Hubbell’s art, hold public events in the amphitheater, and connect with the Hubbell’s nonprofit organization, The Ilan-Lael Foundation. The annual tour raises funds to continue to create and perpetuate Hubbell’s artistic mission and connect with the aesthetic world through the Ilan-Lael Foundation.
“We will also be having an online art auction to raise money for a new installment on the Ilan-Lael property, said Marianne Gerdes, executive director of the Ilan-Lael Foundation. “The auction will include seven mosaic surfboards and other unique Hubbell art items happening June 1 to June 31.”
There are two tour times on June 19; the morning tour will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the afternoon tour from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Ticket prices begin at $50 for general admission or $30 for students (under 22) and military (with ID). Children under the age of 12 are free. For $75, attendees will receive a Foundation Supporter membership, which includes 10 percent off at the Open House bookstore, 10 percent discount for ticket price, the bi-annual newsletter with musings and art from James Hubbell, and email alerts for art, architecture, and cultural events in San Diego and southern California.
Tickets may be purchased online at ilanlaelfoundation.org/open-house/.
An included shuttle service will transport visitors from Julian Station, located at 4470 Hwy. 78, to the Hubbell home and studios.
