Museum Galleries
The museum’s seven galleries feature changing art, science, and history exhibits, permanent exhibits of Jackson History, wildlife art, and a clock collection.
Current Exhibits
Barns: Preserving Agricultural Heritage
December 12, 2020 – 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.
Jackson & The Roaring 20s
November 14, 2020 – December 30, 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.
Art a’ Loan
On View in Jackson County through 2021
The Art a’ Loan program is designed to encourage young artists to share their talent with the Jackson Community. Artwork from students in K-12 are selected by a committee, professionally framed, and displayed each year during the month of September. Following the exhibit, the artworks are rented and displayed in public locations around Jackson for one year. Artwork, artists, and location information can be found on the Art a’ Loan page.
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!