Billy Hassell’s artistic journey began in Dallas, where his childhood explorations of local wildlife inspired him to sketch and cultivate his imagination. After high school at Cistercian, he earned a bachelor’s from Notre Dame and a master’s from the University of Massachusetts, refining his distinctive style. Now known as Mother Nature’s Stylist (New York Times), he resides in Fort Worth, creating vibrant paintings that blend urban life with the beauty of nature.

Sarah Hull, a Certified Nurse and Midwife with multiple degrees, transitioned from nursing to art, driven by her childhood imagination and empathy. She observed the world from various perspectives, which fueled her desire to paint using oil. Her studio practice blends her experiences as an empathetic observer and a curious onlooker, inspiring her artistic expression. Hull received an MFA from Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston in 2021.

Fifth-generation Rockport native Susie Black has been named Rockport Center for the Arts Master Artist of 2025, a tradition since 1993 that has honored the likes of Harold Phoenix, Kent Ullberg, Al Barnes, Herb Booth, Jesus Moroles and Steve Russell.  Her dedication to quilting is evident in her meticulous textile artworks. After leaving the business world in 2006, she pursued her passion. Black’s Insanity Series will be showcased for the first time this summer.  The exhibit is being presented by IBC Bank.

Shawn Camp, originally from Coeur dʼAlene, Idaho, earned his MFA in Painting and Printmaking from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1997. Now based in Austin, Texas, he teaches at Texas State University and Austin Community College. His eclectic portfolio, featuring paintings and multimedia works, explores disorder and meaning through a vibrant sensory experience

Group Retrospective Exhibition of Artists-in-Residence, 2012-2024. Since its inception in 2012, the program has welcomed artists from around the globe, providing them with space for creation, reflection, and research. Artists-in-Residence showcase their work in solo exhibitions and immerse themselves in the local art culture. Exhibiting artists include Sadie Sheldon (New Orleans, 2024), Quinn Antonio Briceño (Missouri, 2023), William Tersteeg (Pennsylvania, 2022), Jeff Horton (Arkansas, 2021), Evelyn Contreras(California, 2020), Tyler Vouros (Massachusetts, 2019), Rabecca Signoriello (Pennsylvania, 2018), Ellen Heck (North Carolina, 2017), Bob Lockhart (Kentucky, 2016), Diane Pike (North Carolina, 2014), Judith Selby and Richard Lang (California, 2013), and Ewoud de Groot (Netherlands, 2012). 

The Big Wave Annual All Members Exhibition features the work of 200 member artists. The exhibit spans multiple galleries, showcasing original art, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography, and more. Every year, a distinguished juror selects three artists of merit, for a group show featured in the McKelvey Charitable Fund Gallery the following year.