Barns: Preserving Agricultural Heritage
December 12 – July 25, 2021
Through artwork, historical preservation, and multi-generational farmers, Barns is an exhibition that highlights the unique beauty and history of our lands agricultural icons.
Frida Kahlo’s Garden
January 28 – March 16, 2021
Frida Kahlo’s Garden is adapted from the exhibition, FRIDA KAHLO: ART, GARDEN, LIFE, organized by guest curator Adriana Zavala at The New York Botanical Garden. It was made possible with major funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Karen Katen Foundation, The LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust, MetLife Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and Gillian and Robert Steel. It was adapted and toured for NEH on the Road by the Mid-America Arts Alliance.
Current Exhibits
Jackson & The Roaring 20s
November 14, 2020 – October 17, 2021
The 1920s was a decade driven by prosperity, shifting social norm, and new technology. This exhibit explores some of the major individuals and events which made Jackson, Michigan roar during the 1920s. The exhibit was developed by Ella Sharp Museum as a supplement to the traveling exhibit Spirited: Prohibition in America.
Spirited
Prohibition in America
November 11, 2020 – January 7, 2021
During the era of Prohibition, Americans no longer could manufacture, sell, or transport intoxicating beverages from 1920 until 1933. Spirited: Prohibition in America, a new exhibition opening November 10, 2020 . This exhibit explores this tumultuous time in American history, when flappers and suffragists, bootleggers and temperance lobbyists, and legends, such as Al Capone and Carry Nation, took sides in this battle against the bottle.
Outdoor Sculptures
Explore our outdoor sculptures on the campus of Ella Sharp Museum. Artwork includes permanent sculptures and the 2020/2021 Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition from the Midwest Sculpture Initiative.
Andrews Gallery of Wildlife Art
Semi-Permanent Exhibit
The Andrews Gallery of Wildlife Art features paintings, wood carvings, taxidermy mounts, bronze sculptures, and prints. The artworks are from the collection of Andy and Sandy Andrews, longtime residents of Jackson and lifetime lovers of art.
Lynne A. Loftis Jackson History Gallery
Semi-Permanent Exhibit
Jackson’s rich past is celebrated and explored in the Lynne A Loftis Jackson History gallery. See the start of “Jacksonopolis”, the community started in 1829. Learn about Jackson’s role in manufacturing, the railroad industry, state corrections, and the formation of the Republican party. View products that were made in our city, from Sparton radios, corsets, to automobiles. There’s much to learn about Jackson and the best place to start is here.
Never Enough Time Gallery
Semi-Permanent Exhibit
Allen Spiess Jr., a local collector, provided funds to construct and furnish the Never Enough Time gallery space. Al is pleased to have the Ella in the Jackson community so that visitors can enjoy his collections and the collections of others. He hopes this will inspire others to donate or lend their collections to the Ella Sharp Museum for all to enjoy!