Public Memorial Set in August for Artist, Naturalist James Hubbell

A public memorial to honor the life of the artist, sculptor and naturalist James Hubbell will be held on Aug. 24 in Pacific Rim Park at the tip of Shelter Island.

Hubbell died in May at the age of 92.

Hosted by the Ilan-Lael Foundation, the 2 p.m. tribute will begin with a Friendship Walk symbolizing Hubbell’s commitment to celebrating the cultures of the Pacific and fostering unity around the connections that the ocean offers.

The walk will start at Hubbell’s Pacific Portal gazebo and lead to his “Pearl of the Pacific,” Pacific Rim Park. The community then is invited to gather to honor Hubbell’s works and passions. The celebration will feature music, dance and tributes.

His pieces include mosaics, wrought iron railings, stained glass and sculptures, many of which may be found in San Diego homes, churches, and public spaces. 

Hubbell’s wide-ranging creative legacy is expressed through his organic “habitable sculptures” in Santa Ysabel called “Ilan Lael,” meaning “tree that is a gift from God.”

Ilan Lael serves as a home for the non-profit foundation, an art education organization and nature center founded by Hubbell and his wife in 1982.