Art as a Voice — James Hubbell — September 4, 2009
IMA brings International Artist and Organic Architect James Hubbell to the San Juan Islands Communities for Conversations with artists and for the Art as a 
Voice Series presentation at the Community Theatre.
Artist and visionary James Hubbell has developed projects all over the world for more than 40 years, creating places that heal the soul and renew the spirit. He is the founder and principal of the Ilan Lael Foundation, whose mission is to integrate nature-centered art and architecture in environmentally friendly private and public spaces. He has worked throughout the United States and internationally in developing projects that harmonize the beauty of art with the functionality of architecture.
Returning from a current project in the Philippine Islands in time for this visit with us on San Juan Island is exciting for IMA. Hubbell is scheduled for Labor Day Weekend conversations with artists and architects and supportive community members (see James and Anne Hubbell's weekend schedule). The Museum Board of Directors is thrilled to host Hubbell at the Community Theatre on Friday, September 4, 2009 at 7:30, where he will share his comprehensive organic design approach resulting in truly memorable works of thoughtful, artful architecture. The Art as a Voice Series at the Community Theatre continues to bring to San Juan Island international and influential persons who inspire, like James Hubbell. A Reception with Hubbell, the artist, follows the visual presentation, which is free to the public. At the last Art as a Voice theatre event we ran out of space, so plan now to come early to reserve your space for this wonderful evening.
At this evening event, Hubbell will share how he seeks to integrate the arts, nature and beauty into the life of individuals and communities through work in sculpture, stained glass, and watercolor. He has inspired artists and others toward community activism in creating organic solutions, and has requested that IMA set up sessions on San Juan Island for him to meet with artists and community members who are interested in creating beauty, renewing spirits, and providing places and spaces that celebrate life. His emphasis has always been upon the promotion of environmental issues with an emphasis on sustainable building materials, so Island contractors and builders will find Hubbell stimulating, as well as artists and architects. The Pacific Portal at Shelter Island developed in partnership with the Port of San Diego and Point Loma Rotary Club, as well as the Coronado City Hall and Community Center Fountain and the Crestridge Econogical Preserve near El Cajon, California are just three examples of his work with communities and artists and builders.
James has dedicated his life to working toward world understanding. He began with architectural students from Mexico and the United States to create a park for what would become the first of many in what James refers to as his ΄Pearls of the Pacific Rim'. From this project, one architectural student from Mexico and six students from the United States went to Vladivostok Russia. Twelve Russian architectural students then designed and built an amazing community project and amphitheatre in 21 days. The next project took place in China with Mexican, US, Russian and Chinese architectural students. In May of this year, they all met in the Philippines to complete a Hubbell Project there. There is a plan for a project in North Korea and another in Perth, Australia.
In addition to this work, Hubbell has designed hundreds of commissions in glass, doors, sculptures, fountains, chapels, schools and parks and is probably best known for the Chapel at Sea Ranch California and the Doors of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Don't miss opportunity to meet this gifted artist who advises students everywhere to remember that their, "First gift is intuition, and mystery is its glory!"
James Hubbell Labor Day Weekend Events
During the Hubbell's visit in September there will be a series of events over the Labor Day Weekend, September 3-4.
- On September 3, in the late morning, James' wife, Anne Hubbell will lead a public discussion on Beauty titled "Is Beauty More Powerful than We Know?" All are invited to attend in the Gubbleman Room at the Community Theatre.
- On September 3, in the afternoon, in the Gubbleman room, there will be an important discussion group event held with James Hubbell and San Juan County Artists. Up to 60 artists will be able to attend this discussion with James. RSVP reservations are required.
- On the evening of September 4, as part of IMA's "Art as Voice" community presentation series, James Hubbell will offer a lecture at the Community Theatre entitled "Bridges"…how watercolor relates to sculpture, relates to community, relates to spirit, and relates to the universe.
Following James Hubbell's visit in September, community volunteers will be welcome to participate in the Hubbell Project that will be formed while James is here. For information on any of the above Hubbell presentations or to become involved in these events please contact either Andrea Simmons (378- 9541) or Marilyn Luckman (370-5302). Please visit James Hubbell's web site to learn more about James Hubbell.
