Museum Galleries
The museum’s seven galleries feature changing art, science, and history exhibits with semi-permanent exhibits of wildlife art and a clock collection.
Current Exhibits
Gear Up: The Science of Bikes
June 1, 2023 – January 2024
From schoolyards and mountain trails to bustling city streets, we encounter bicycles nearly every day. Since its inception in the late 19th century, the bicycle has affected how people live, work, and play. Its popularity has only grown over time, and it is as relevant today as it was 100 ago. Visitors of GEAR UP will learn how bikes work, the science and technology behind the machine as well as the history and evolution of the bike and how bikes have impacted our culture.
Tossed & Found
September 9 – December 31, 2023
Come explore the creative and eco-friendly world of Tossed and Found! This exhibition features stunning and unique three-dimensional artworks crafted by talented artists using only recycled, scrap, and reclaimed materials. Be amazed by the beauty and sustainability of this remarkable showcase of art!
Dominic Pangborn Uncrated: A Final Retrospective
October 5, 2023 – January 15, 2024
The Ella Sharp museum is proud to feature Michigan’s own prolific and evolutionary artist Dominic Pangborn, who will host his final exhibit in the US this fall. Come view Dominic’s enigmatic and colorful pieces this fall. Evolutionary and prolific artist Dominic Pangborn is renowned nationally for his colorful and enigmatic work. Dominic is proud to call Jackson his hometown and a place that built him into the person he is today. We are honored to host Dominic’s last show in the United States before he relocates overseas.
Art a’ Loan: 17th Annual Exhibition featuring Young Poets
On View at Ella Sharp Museum: October 1 to November 12, 2023
Ella Sharp Museum’s annual Art a Loan program celebrates and shares the talents of Jackson County student artists. Selected art pieces are professionally matted and framed, then put on exhibit at Ella Sharp Museum. During the exhibit, local businesses are able to choose pieces to rent and display in their businesses through the next year.
This celebration of student creativity in Jackson County goes even further through a continued partnership with Jackson District Library’s Young Poets program. Art a Loan artwork is thematically paired with winning poems from the Young Poets contest and the two are displayed together on exhibit.
The Magnificent Obsession: Celebrating 15 years of the Andrews Gallery of Wildlife Art
Semi-Permanent Exhibit
Celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the Andrews Gallery of Wildlife Art, The Magnificent Obsession introduces visitors to wildlife art collectors Andy and Sandy Andrews, while exploring how art, hunting, and conservation connect.
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 was pleased to have the Ella in the Jackson community so that visitors can enjoy his collections and the collections of others. He hoped this would inspire others to donate or lend their collections to the Ella Sharp Museum for all to enjoy!
Outdoor Sculptures
On View Year-Round
Walk the museum grounds and explore our outdoor sculptures on the campus of Ella Sharp Museum.