Crystal Stokowski is a mother, surfer, and multidisciplinary artist based in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. After being selected for several artist residencies in the mid 2000’s, she became aware of both the opportunities these programs offer and the barriers that prevent many artists from accessing them. These experiences led her to co-found TPAIRR, an unconventional artist in residence program that provided visiting artists and their families with a free place at the beach for rest, reflection, and creative exchange. As founder and director of The Water Collective, she continues to support artists, particularly those who face financial, geographic, or structural barriers to traditional residency programs, by offering time, funding, and interdisciplinary resources that allow them to develop bold, exploratory work rooted in environmental stewardship.
Crystal Stokowski
Founder & Director
After a couple decades working to become an accomplished photojournalist and multimedia producer, Jessica Kourkounis currently works as a film set photographer and is a member of IATSE 600, the International Cinematographers Union. She is also a film director and is currently represented by Barbara Larkin. She continues to be a regular contributor to The New York Times and Getty Images. Her images have also appeared in The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe and many others. As a multimedia producer her radio stories and multimedia works have aired on public media stations across the country.
Jessica Kourkounis
Board Member
Maximillian Lawrence is an educator, engineer, and interdisciplinary artist based in Philadelphia. He serves as Director of Engineering at Science Leadership Academy Beeber, where he leads project-based engineering programs integrating design, research, and applied science.
He is a founding and still active member of Space1026, an artist-run collective known for interdisciplinary collaboration across art, design, and technology. His work explores the intersection of engineering, art, and environmental systems, with a focus on materials, structure, and biological processes. Lawrence is a board member of The Water Collective and supports its mission to connect artists and coastal scientists through collaborative research and public engagement.
Maximillian Lawrence
Board Member
Emily Bryant-Álvarez (she/her) is an attorney based in New York City. Prior to becoming a lawyer, she worked as a radio producer at WHYY 90.9 FM, Philadelphia's NPR affiliate.
She currently serves as the chair of the New York City chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, and she was previously the chair of the Delaware chapter and cleanups coordinator for the Ocean City, Maryland chapter. A lover of all things ocean-related, she also holds a masters in marine policy from the University of Delaware. She lives in Brooklyn with her dog Junot.
Emily Bryant-Alvarez
Board Member
