On October 29, 2003, fire destroyed the home and art studio of James and Anne Hubbell. As the fires raged through San Diego, Jim and Anne returned from a New York trip to find their life's work in the path of the fire. Amidst confusion and panic, they evacuated taking with them a few personal belongings as well as Jim's watercolors and a few smaller art pieces but leaving behind much that was dear to the artist and his family. Within days Jim returned to the property only to find a burnt hilltop and the bulk of their life in ashes. The fires destroyed the Hubbell living house and bedroom, office, big studio and all household items. Additionallly, 300-400 sculptures, windows, paintings and models burned as well as the tools that made them. Within a matter of hours, an amazing inferno incinerated one of San Diego's most unique places of artistic and natural beauty. (pictures of the damage)

There was no insurance. With the area's high fire risk and the integral relationship of trees and shrubs to the Hubbell buildings, the property was difficult to insure. The costly premiums seemed better spent gathering students and fostering community with art and a peaceful spirit.

Since the fire James and Anne, like so many others in San Diego who lost their homes, spend many hours each day working to put the basic pieces of their life back together. Anne and James Hubbell believe that things happen for a reason, and they trust life. These past few weeks have been terrible and strange for them and so many others including all of us who admire and care for them and their art. Their immediate need for a place to live has been met by the generosity of many who have offered their homes or guest rooms. They are hoping to be able to live back on their property in the beautiful Boys' House, which was largely spared by the fire. But for now, they are displaced and daunted by the task at hand.

Daunted but not devastated, Jim and Anne are facing this loss with faith, awe, and humility. They will rebuild this place that has been and will continue to be a center for trust, balance, and beauty. The Ilan-Lael Foundation is the vehicle to do this, and it needs to happen now. The phoenix now sits without wings, deep in the ashes, but it can and will fly if we join together to make a place dedicated to encouraging people to build their dreams for a better future. In that place, guided by James's vision, we can help build beauty and peace together within the patterns of nature where we all belong.

Out of these ashes, the friends of James and Anne Hubbell are writing to you now.