Art has always had the power to shape how we see the world — and sometimes, the places where that art is born are as transformative as the works themselves. This November, Sparks Gallery invites visitors to explore that connection through its newest exhibition, The Power of Place, Inspirations from Ilan-Lael, on view from November 9 to December 31.
The exhibition highlights eight visionary artists who found inspiration at Ilan-Lael, the iconic home and studio of the late artist and architect James Hubbell — a name synonymous with creativity that flows as freely as nature itself.
A Tribute to Creativity and Collaboration
Curated in partnership with the Ilan-Lael Foundation, this exhibition celebrates the deep artistic influence of Hubbell’s San Diego mountain retreat. Ilan-Lael has long been a sanctuary for painters, sculptors, woodworkers, and dreamers — a place where art and nature blur into one living masterpiece.
Now, that legacy comes to life inside Sparks Gallery, located in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Visitors will find a tapestry of mediums — plein air paintings, ceramics, woodworking, mixed media, stained glass, and photography — all reflecting the shared creative energy that flourishes within the Ilan-Lael community.
Each piece tells a story not only of an artist, but of a place — of mountains touched by morning fog, of sunlit studios, of craftsmanship rooted in earth and imagination.
The Power of Ilan-Lael
Founded in 1982 by James and Anne Hubbell, the Ilan-Lael Foundation was created to preserve the Hubbells’ artistic legacy and to nurture the next generation of artists. Its name, meaning “tree of God” in Hebrew, perfectly captures the foundation’s mission — to grow, to connect, and to remind us that creativity is a living, evolving force.
The Ilan-Lael compound in Julian, California, feels like stepping into another world. Curving mosaic walls, handcrafted stained glass, and organic architecture blend seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness. It is both a home and a living artwork — one that has inspired artists for decades.
Visitors who have walked the compound often describe the feeling as meditative — a reminder that art is not separate from the natural world but a reflection of it. That philosophy breathes through this exhibition, infusing every canvas, sculpture, and photograph with a sense of harmony and belonging.
A Gathering of Visionary Artists
The exhibition features eight artists whose time at Ilan-Lael left a lasting impression on their creative journeys. Each artist brings a distinct voice to the collection, yet together they form a chorus of creativity that speaks to Hubbell’s enduring influence.
Visitors can expect to see plein air landscapes that capture the quiet poetry of California’s rolling hills, intricate ceramic works that echo the textures of the earth, luminous stained glass inspired by light and nature, and contemporary pieces that reinterpret Hubbell’s architectural ideals in modern form.
This dialogue between tradition and innovation, between place and perspective, is what makes The Power of Place such an extraordinary exhibition.
A Night to Remember
Sparks Gallery will host a free opening reception on Saturday, November 9, from 5 to 8 p.m., where guests can meet the artists and hear directly from leaders of the Ilan-Lael Foundation.
The evening promises more than just an exhibition opening — it’s an immersive experience. Guests will be able to speak with the artists about their work, learn about the creative process behind each piece, and gain insight into how Ilan-Lael continues to shape art in Southern California and beyond.
It’s a rare opportunity to connect personally with the creative minds behind the art and to celebrate the living spirit of James Hubbell’s legacy.
Honoring the Legacy of James Hubbell
To understand the importance of this exhibition, one must first understand James Hubbell — a visionary artist whose work blurred the boundaries between architecture, sculpture, and nature. Known for his organic designs and mosaic masterpieces, Hubbell’s creations feel less like buildings and more like living organisms — shaped by wind, light, and imagination.
Throughout his career, Hubbell believed that art could heal, inspire, and connect humanity to the earth. His studio, Ilan-Lael, became a haven for collaboration and a testament to that philosophy.
Today, the Ilan-Lael Foundation continues his mission, offering residencies, workshops, and public art programs that bring people together through creativity and community. Its influence can be felt throughout Southern California — from the coastal murals of San Diego to the sculptural forms of Julian.
Sparks Gallery A Beacon for Local Art
Located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, Sparks Gallery has earned a reputation as one of San Diego’s most important platforms for contemporary art. Known for supporting local and regional artists, the gallery curates exhibitions that blend sophistication with accessibility, inviting art lovers and newcomers alike to experience creative excellence up close.
By hosting The Power of Place, Sparks Gallery continues its tradition of showcasing meaningful, locally rooted exhibitions that celebrate the intersection of art, place, and identity.
Gallery Director Sonya Sparks has long championed the idea that art is not only for viewing but for experiencing — a belief perfectly embodied in this collaboration with the Ilan-Lael Foundation.
Where Art, Nature, and Community Converge
At its heart, The Power of Place is more than an exhibition — it is a conversation between artists, environments, and generations. It reminds us that creativity is not confined to studios or galleries, but lives in the landscapes, communities, and connections that shape who we are.
As visitors walk through Sparks Gallery this season, they’re invited to pause, to look closer, and to feel the pulse of a legacy that continues to grow — one brushstroke, one mosaic, one inspired artist at a time.
For anyone who believes that art still has the power to move, to heal, and to remind us of what endures, this is an exhibition not to be missed.
Exhibition Details
The Power of Place: Inspirations from Ilan-Lael
On view November 9 to December 31, 2025
Opening Reception November 9, 5–8 p.m.
Admission Free
Location: Sparks Gallery, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego
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