James Hubbell - Between Heaven And Earth

Stream now with KPBS+ / Watch Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 at 9 p.m. on KPBS TV

If nature were to build a church, what would it look like? It would contain curves and color, light and shadow, form and function. It would be a place where all things work together and nothing is separate....a place where the Gods are beckoned by beauty...where life is balanced in joy and pathos…and where we are invited to embrace all that it means to be human. Journey with us around California and beyond — to see an amazing body of work created by artist James Hubbell. Come to a deeper understanding — through the words of scholars, friends, and the artist himself — about his art, his motivation, and his inspiring life.

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Explore James Hubbell's Legacy: New Weekly Tours at Ilan-Lael

Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 10 AM

Ongoing until December 27, 2025

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Ilan-Lael compound

The Ilan-Lael Foundation is opening its doors wider than ever with newly expanded docent-led tours, now offered every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 10 a.m. Previously available only during limited seasonal windows, the tours – now running through the end of the year –provide more access into the imaginative world of the late artist James Hubbell. Set on 10 acres of oak woodlands near Julian, the Ilan-Lael compound features Hubbell’s hand-crafted living spaces, studios, galleries, and gardens, each built in harmony with nature and infused with his blend of art, architecture, and craft. While Hubbell’s work can be seen throughout Southern California and Baja, Ilan-Lael remains the most immersive place to experience his vision. “James believed art should live in harmony with nature, and Ilan-Lael is where that belief comes to life. By opening our doors more often, we’re honoring his vision and inviting more people to share in it,” shares Marianne Gerdes, Executive Director of the Ilan-Lael Foundation. “We invite everyone, whether long-time admirers or first-time visitors, to come see what makes Ilan-Lael so extraordinary. There is truly nothing else like it.” Tours last approximately 90 minutes and take small groups through gardens, sculptures, and architectural landmarks, offering intimate insight into Hubbell’s creative process. Each small-group experience concludes at the on-site gallery and gift shop featuring Hubbell art, books, and artisan goods. Tours are $90 per person and can be reserved up to two months in advance at ilanlaelfoundation.org. Reservations are required and availability may shift due to private events. About the Ilan-Lael Foundation: Founded by James and Anne Hubbell in 1982, the Ilan-Lael Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the artistic legacy of James Hubbell. Founded in 1982 by James and Anne Hubbell, the Ilan-Lael Foundation’s mission is to inspire creativity, foster a deep connection with nature, and provide a sanctuary where art and nature harmoniously coexist. Through educational programs, exhibitions, and community initiatives, the Ilan-Lael Foundation strives to ignite a creative spark within individuals and cultivate a greater appreciation for the transformative power of art. With a commitment to preserving the architectural treasures of Ilan-Lael, the foundation ensures that future generations can experience the beauty and inspiration that this retreat offers.

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For eight decades, Hubbell has used art to understand and shape his world. A 
life lived in harmony with the natural world that surrounds his southern California mountain home has inspired exquisite commissions for churches and synagogues, chapels and parks, even a palace.

Courtesy of Marianne Gerdes

Described as organic…romantic…and original, his spiritual side reveals itself as strongly as a pattern in a stained glass window. It captivates our senses and elevates our spirit. 

Courtesy of Michael Gerdes

"Between Heaven And Earth" tells a powerful story of art that transcends the ordinary and lifts us in unexpected ways, created by an artist who views beauty, nature, and humanity as vital to his spirit, and who invites us in to his world to consider the same.

Courtesy of Michael Gerdes

A lot has happened since the time we saw James Hubbell on film in 2002. His many new accomplishments include the expansion of his Ilan-Lael home and building more parks in nations — like China, South Korea, the Philippines and Taiwan.  And some events that showed up uninvited....the devastating Cedar Fire, Parkinson's Disease, and the challenges of aging we all must face. But through it all, it is the art that keeps him relevant in new installations like the Tides Room at Ilan-lael, and in classics like The Sea Ranch Chapel and The Palace Doors of Abu Dhabi.  


Courtesy of Otto Rigan


Jim Hubbell is 87 years old, and while age and illness have slowed him, his creative power remains strong. His art speaks to a world that is searching for beauty and humanity. His life is a love letter to nature that nurtured and inspired him. His legacy touches friends and strangers alike every day.

Courtesy of Marianne Gerdes

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Created by Marianne Gerdes.