Argyle-based artist urges people to reconnect with creativity, collaboration, and emotional expression in everyday life

ARGYLE, TX / ACCESS Newswire / November 7, 2025 / Acclaimed Texas artist Jacque Cook is using her recent feature spotlight to raise awareness about the importance of community engagement through art, encouraging individuals and organizations to make creativity a central part of daily life.

"Art shouldn't live only in galleries," says Cook. "It should live where people do - in schools, parks, offices, and homes. When we create together, we strengthen the emotional fabric of our communities."

Cook, known for her evocative pottery, sculpture, and mixed-media paintings, believes that art offers more than beauty - it offers connection. Her work, inspired by the landscapes of North Texas and the shared human experience, often serves as a metaphor for resilience and reflection. "Clay cracks, paint runs, and nothing ever goes exactly as planned," she adds. "That's what makes art honest - and that honesty is what brings people together."

The Need for Community Art and Emotional Connection

Recent studies back up Cook's message. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, over 70% of Americans say art helps them better understand themselves and others. Yet, public participation in local arts programs has declined by nearly 25% over the past decade.

"People are craving meaning," Cook explains. "We spend so much time online, but not enough time connecting through shared experiences. Art helps bridge that gap - it gives people something real to hold onto."

Cook's advocacy centers on grassroots creativity - small, local acts of expression that build larger cultural bonds. From neighborhood mural projects to pottery workshops, she says, even small creative gestures can have long-lasting effects. "You don't need to be an artist to make art," she emphasizes. "You just need curiosity and the willingness to try."

Leading by Example

Through her own community collaborations, Cook has become a respected leader in the regional arts scene. She frequently partners with schools and nonprofits, helping children and adults alike discover confidence through creation. "When someone sees their own hands shape something new - even a small clay bowl - it changes how they see themselves," she says.

Cook's approach reflects a growing national movement recognizing art as a tool for well-being. The World Health Organization has found that engagement in the arts can reduce stress, improve mental health, and foster social cohesion. Cook sees these benefits firsthand: "Art makes people pause. It slows the noise down. And when that happens, real connection can begin."

A Call to Create

Cook's message is simple but powerful: everyone has the ability - and responsibility - to contribute creatively to their community. Whether through attending a local art event, supporting an artist, or making something by hand, she believes that creativity can act as a form of civic engagement.

"I'm not asking people to buy more art," Cook clarifies. "I'm asking them to make space for it - to let creativity be part of their lives. When people create, communities grow stronger."

How You Can Get Involved

• Join or start a community art group. Organize local art nights, workshops, or creative meetups.

• Support local artists. Visit community galleries, art fairs, and exhibitions.

• Create something of your own. Even small projects - painting, crafting, journaling - can improve focus and mood.

• Volunteer in schools or community centers. Help expand access to art programs for children and underserved communities.

"Art is a conversation," Cook concludes. "And the more people who join that conversation, the richer and more human our world becomes."

To read the full interview, visit the website here.

About Jacque Cook
Based in Argyle, Texas, Jacque Cook is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in pottery, sculpture, and painting. Her work explores the intersection of texture, form, and emotion, blending traditional techniques with contemporary design. Through exhibitions, commissions, and community projects, she continues to inspire audiences with her vision for art as a bridge between people and purpose.

Contact:
info@jacquecooktexas.com

SOURCE: Jacque Cook