James Hubbell to Open House on June 20

World-renowned sculptor and artist James Hubbell’s free-form home, 50 miles east of San Diego near Julian, will be open to the public June 20, to benefit the Ilan Lael Foundation, a nonprofit organization that Hubbell founded to integrate art into the life of the community.

Hubbell, known for designing about 20 naturalistic homes and commercial buildings in California, and his wife, Anne, began building the home, which they describe as a “sculpture that you live in,” in 1958.

Today, the home of stained glass, lichened stone, twisted iron and mosaic tile consists of several buildings, including some artists studios, on a site that is as oak filled as it was when construction first started. No bulldozers were used, and extra care was taken to incorporate the boulders and oak trees into the design.

The open house will be held June 20 from noon to 5 p.m. Parking will be at the Manzanita Ranch, on Highway 79 between Santa Ysabel and Julian, with a shuttle service to the house. The advance fee is $20 for Ilan Lael members, $30 for non-members and $20 for students, with a $5 extra charge at the door.

Reservations and other information may be obtained by phoning (619) 582-2334.