Exhibits

Upcoming Exhibits

I Matter

July 24 – September 20, 2020

I Matter confronts negative stereotypes and statistics and their impact on young African-American males. Creator of Linked Films & Photos, James Garner Jr. was inspired by his son Kobe, a 7 year old boy who has already experience racial slurs and discrimination. Being part of the conversation for equality in 2020, Garner wants to inspire his son, as well as other African-American males to stand against institutional racism.

Spirited

Prohibition in America

Opens November 2020

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.

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

ADAPT

Virtual & Physical Art Exhibition in Response to COVID-19

The artwork featured in this gallery was created in response to a call for art asking artists to interpret what adaption looks like in the COVID-19 era. Artists were encouraged to respond to the theme, use found materials, and create during the Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order. A physical exhibition of select works in this gallery will take place at the Ella Sharp Museum later in 2020.

Art á Loan

The Art á Loan program is designed to encourage young artists to share their talents with the Jackson community. Artworks from students in Kindergarten through 12th grade are selected by a committee to be professionally framed and displayed at the museum. Following the exhibit, the artworks are rented and displayed in public locations around Jackson for one year.

50 Years: Jackson & Space

An original Ella Sharp Museum exhibit that details the history of the Hurst Planetarium, the life of its primary benefactor, and Jackson’s unique contribution to space exploration.

On display are photos and documents from the museum’s collection as well as artifacts from private collectors and the Kalamazoo Air Zoo – the latter lending the use of a flight suit worn by Jackson native Al Worden during his Apollo 15 mission. The careers of Worden and James A. McDivitt Jr. and NASA employee Robert Freitag will receive prime attention as will the history of the Michigan Space and Science Center that was once located on the campus of Jackson College.

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!

View Past Exhibits
Call for Artists