Ilan-Lael Foundation Spring Tours return with new Saturday Socials lecture series

by Elizabeth Ireland • Times of San Diego

Curved, earthy-toned buildings with a courtyard and scenic hillside view.

The Ilan-Lael Foundation, an arts education nonprofit, has announced the return of its Spring Tours from May 2 to June 14, inviting visitors to explore the legacy of the late artist and architect James Hubbell.

Tours will take place every Monday, Friday and Saturday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the foundation’s hilltop campus in Santa Ysabel, near Julian.

Visitors can experience the distinctive grounds and buildings where Hubbell lived and worked, structures celebrated for their handcrafted details and deep connection to the surrounding landscape.

New this year are Saturday Socials, a casual cocktail hour and lecture series following the standard 90-minute docent-led tour. The schedule includes:

5/03 Keith York from Modern San Diego will present on James Hubbell’s relationship to architect Sim Bruce Richards. Book signing opportunity to follow lecture.
5/10 Danielle Deery from Oceanside Museum of Art will present on the museum’s long-time support of James Hubbell during some of his most pivotal career moments.
5/17 Drew Hubbell AIA from Hubbell and Hubbell Architects, son of James and Anne, will lecture on green building, architecture and growing up at Ilan-Lael.
5/31 Volcan Mountain Foundation, of which Anne Hubbell was a founding board member, will share the importance of land conservation and stewardship.
6/07 Dave Hampton, historian and author of “San Diego’s Craft Revolution: From Post-War Modern to California Design,” will present on James Hubbell’s early years in the San Diego art community.
6/14 Sarah Liliva Brightwood, president of Rancho La Puerta, will present on their wellness mission and long-standing relationship with James Hubbell. Preview of 2025 Ilan-Lael led Walking Tour of Hubbell Art in Tecate.