Julian Artist to Benefit from Art Auction
by Bobbie Zane

Proceeds from an auction of James Hubbell paintings will benefit Julian artist, Fe McQueen, who lost her home and studio in the Cedar fire.

When artist Fe McQueen returned to Julian following the Cedar fire, she discovered that her entire life had gone up in smoke.

The Cuyamaca Woods home she had spent the last 13 years building by hand, "an inch at a time" and the two decades of work she had done as an assistant to renowned Julian artist, James Hubbell, whose home, studio and gallery suffered extensive damage in the blaze.

Only the steel shell of Fe’s home remained standing, framing the sweeping mountain and Pacific view that she prized above all. Like others she’d lost a lifetime of irreplaceable possessions, work, and memories when her two-bedroom house shaped like a Quonset hut burned. And she had no insurance to replace what could be bought now.

Fe, who was born in New Mexico, studied art and art education in Texas and at San Jose State University, she was drawn to Julian in the 1980s by James Hubbell, whose work was attracting attention in international art circles, notably a book, Up from the Earth, holding photos of houses Hubbell had designed. "The houses were art you could live in, built like pieces of sculpture," she says. "It was the kind of work I wanted to be doing, but wasn’t."

Long story short. Fe contacted Hubbell, who was impressed with her work and invited her to join his crew in 1982. She’s been here ever since, producing stained glass, piecing mosaic, and constructing bronze, silver and gold pieces. Fe’s work also found its way into the homes of many Julian residents for whom she created items such as window frames, drawer pulls, and washbasins.

During this period Fe purchased a 2.5-acre piece of land on North Peak and began building her dream house. With the help of many local artists, she did all the construction by hand...from the steel structural ribs she placed and bolted together side by side to the rock sculpture she set around the building. It was almost completed. "I was working on a copper enclosure for the propane tank and a stove hood," in October.

Now Fe will benefit from a unique art auction organized by James and Anne Hubbell and their non-profit Ilan Lael Foundation. Twelve to fifteen new Hubbell framed watercolors will be auctioned on Sunday, Jan. 25, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Wynola Red Barn. The auction will also feature a special memorial to the fire, a piece of sculpture crafted from fire glass. Members of Julian’s extensive local art community have been invited to donate a single piece of their own work to the benefit.

"This has been a painful experience," Fe observed, "a taste of what it’s like being in a war and homeless." Just the same, "It’s a gift. I’m grateful for the help I’ve been given, and was especially touched when I found out that James was going to do an auction for me. So many people have showed so much love and generosity" during this ordeal.

"This will be a very festive event," says Bill Porter, who is one of the organizers. "We’ll have entertainment, food, and wine."

For additional details, contact Bill Porter at (760) 765-0792.

Fe McQueen Benefit Facts

Silent and live auction of James Hubbell watercolors and other Julian art

DATE: Sunday, Jan. 25

TIME: 2 - 4:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Red Barn, Wynola

ADMISSION: Free

INFORMATION: Bill Porter
(760) 765-0792.