While crowds head to Julian for pumpkin patches and apple picking, San Diego’s true backcountry gem lies just down the road in Santa Ysabel. Visitors can tap into their creativity with art workshops led by local artists at the Ilan-Lael Foundation, the nationally recognized historic home and studio of the late artist James Hubbell. Ilan-Lael’s workshops offer a rare and immersive opportunity to work side-by-side with skilled instructors dedicated to preserving James Hubbell’s creative spirit and artistic philosophy. These hands-on, interactive sessions invite participants of all skill levels to experiment, create and master new techniques. Guided by expert artists, attendees gain direct insight into traditional craft techniques while drawing inspiration from unique historical property. Featured workshop and studio days include: Natural World Watercolor Journal: Hubbell Home and Studio with Helen Shafer Garcia | October 24 Paint on-site at James Hubbell’s Home & Studio, capturing architectural details and plant life. Following the Visiting Artist, Helen Shafer Garcia, participants will paint, practice contour drawing techniques for capturing natural surroundings, and use short poem prompts to complement the artwork. The workshop encourages artists to combine pen and watercolor for outdoor journaling, starting with a studio-made concertina journal. Use a waterproof pen for line work and texture, then apply rich layers of transparent watercolor to build vivid compositions. Yarn Painting Workshop | November 7 Yarn paintings can be thought of as yarn mosaics. Designed for centuries by the North American Native Huichol people, yarn paintings were originally votive prayer offerings, and have evolved into elaborate works of art depicting sacred stories and symbols. Today, yarn paintings are created on wooden surfaces, coated with a smooth layer of wax. Guide lines for a design are carved into the surface, then yarn is pressed into the wax, starting with outlines and continuing until all spaces are filled in. Custom Wooden Coaster Making with Willy Nicholas | November 14 This beginner-friendly woodworking workshop introduces participants to the process of designing and creating their own handcrafted wooden coasters. Students will begin by brainstorming and sketching their coaster designs before learning shop safety, bandsaw and jigsaw operation, edge shaping techniques, routing, and sanding. Participants will cut one of their own coaster designs on the bandsaw before learning how to refine their pieces using hand tools, a trim router, or router table to create rounded or chamfered edges. Stained Glass Open Studio | November 20 Offered every 3rd Friday of the month from 1-4 p.m. Classes are formatted in a 3-hour open studio style, open to all skill levels. Develop your own projects at your own pace with instructor support. The next three months are open for registration. Metal Forging Open Studio and Ceramics Open Studio | November 21 This ongoing studio day is offered every 3rd Saturday of each month from 1-4 p.m. During your studio time, participants craft their own wall hooks in this workshop with Studio Artist, Ben Gadbois. Make your own art piece for the home today by saving your spot. Earlier this year, Ilan-Lael achieved prestigious national recognition by joining the Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios (HAHS) program, an initiative of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It stands alongside 93 distinguished historic sites across the nation, making this year’s upcoming fall events the first since receiving this honor.
