Art is Healing

The Story Behind JACCK Foundation for the Arts

Founded by Claire McGale

JACCK Foundation for the Arts was born from both passion and purpose—deeply rooted in the life experiences of its founder, Claire McGale.

Claire, a U.S. Air Force veteran with a background in broadcast communication, has always been drawn to creativity, storytelling, and connection. As a self-taught graphic designer and creative, art became more than just a skill—it became a personal outlet, a form of healing, and a way to process life’s challenges.

But it wasn’t until Claire began working closely with seniors and veterans in her community that her purpose became clear.

She witnessed firsthand the quiet realities many of them faced—loneliness, isolation, limited mobility, and a lack of accessible opportunities for meaningful engagement. Many had stories, talents, and voices that were going unheard. Some had never been given the chance to explore creativity at all.

Claire saw a gap—and more importantly, she felt a responsibility.

She understood something powerful: art could be more than an activity—it could be therapy, connection, and restoration.

With that belief, she founded JACCK Foundation for the Arts to create a space where people—especially those often overlooked—could come together, express themselves, and feel seen.

What started as a vision has grown into a movement.

Today, JACCK serves the St. Louis community through programs designed to remove barriers to art. From free therapeutic sessions for seniors and veterans to engaging community experiences like Karaoke & Paint, youth art camps, and outreach programs like Art for the Shut-In, every initiative reflects Claire’s original mission: to use creativity as a tool for healing and connection.

For Claire, this work is deeply personal.

JACCK is not just an organization—it is a reflection of her belief that everyone deserves access to joy, expression, and community, regardless of age, income, or circumstance. It represents her commitment to ensuring that no one feels forgotten, and that every person has a space where they belong.

She built JACCK not just to create art—but to create impact.

And today, that impact is seen in every smile, every brushstroke, and every life touched through the power of creativity.