The exhibition was funded in part by The City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture and The County of San Diego Community Enhancement Program.
An intimate exhibition of some select creations by the world famous, Santa Ysabel- based artist, designer craftsman and dedicated environmentalist James Hubbell.
For more than forty years James Hubbell has been creating art and fostering world peace and environmental sustainability. He has a rare gift for creating work that unites the three words with which he approaches life — trust, balance and beauty. His innovative, organic architecture and his skill and talent as an artist craftsman give Hubbell’s buildings, environments, sculptures and paintings lives and language of their own that never argue with nature. Working with a community of craft artists and materials such as tile, cement, wood, metal, brick, and glass, he creates a poetic fusion of hands, heart and mind.
The relationship between art and community is the essence of James Hubbell’s work and life, prompting the establishment in 1982 of The Ilan Lael Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes harmony among people and nature. The foundation fosters both national and international community-based projects and outreach, employing a range of global craft artists and volunteers to participate in the collaborative process of creating public art. Peace parks throughout the Pacific Rim and a school for the children of Tijuana’s Colonia Esperanza are among Hubbell’s projects. He has also created eighteen doors for a palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
A SALUTE TO JAMES HUBBELL, a celebration of his many accomplishments was presented on Saturday, October 3. Paying tribute to James Hubbell that evening are philanthropist and civic leader Deborah Szekely, founder of the Golden Door and Rancho La Puerta, speaking about Hubbell and his art; Vermont-based architect Kyle Bergman on Hubbell’s international work; and San Diego County Planning Commissioner Michael Beck discussing Hubbell’s love of nature as reflected in his work. Hubbell also spoke.
Complementing the evening tribute, on Sunday October 4, the Museum sponsored an excursion to Hubbell’s home and studio with lunch at Camp Stevens in Julian, where guests found more of the artist’s works. Also included were visits to Tryyn Studio featuring William Chappelow’s exquisite wooden utensils and to Hissing Camel Gallery, which featured art by Hubbell and other local and national artists.
Eye of the Beholder, a 46-minute video produced by KPBS, accompanied the exhibition.