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
Jackson District Library presents Art & Voice of MLK 2022
Pop-up Exhibit On view at Ella Sharp Museum
January 15 – January 29
Featured pieces include submissions from the community that honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr and were inspired by his sermons or speeches.
Bringing the Village to Life: The YPOP Story
On view through July of 2022
What started as a way to introduce art to youth has become a community outreach movement.
Bringing the Village to Life shares the story of Jackson’s Diane Washington and the YPOP (Young People of Purpose) organization.
For All the World To See: Visual Culture and the Struggle for Civil Right
Extended through March 16
For All the World To See examines the role that visual culture played in shaping and transforming the struggle for racial equality in America from the late 1940s to the mid-1970s. Through a compelling assortment of photographs, television clips, art posters, and other historic artifacts, For All the World to See traces how images and media disseminated to the American public transformed the modern civil rights movement and jolted Americans, both black and white, out of a state of denial or complacency.
Art a’ Loan
Pieces will be on display in the public through 2022
The Ella Sharp Museum’s annual Art à Loan program celebrates and shares the talents of K-12 student artists throughout Jackson County. At the end of each school year, dedicated area art teachers select student artwork to be professionally framed, exhibited at the Ella Sharp Museum, then rented and displayed in local businesses. In 2021, to further showcase student talent within Jackson County, we’ve partnered with the Jackson District Library’s “Young Poets” Program. Winners from Art à Loan were thematically paired with winners from Young Poets and will be featured in a special exhibition at the Ella Sharp Museum, October 6–31, 2021, then will be on view throughout the community until fall 2022.
The Magnificent Obsession: Celebrating 15 years of the Andrews Gallery of Wildlife Art
On view through 2022
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.
Jackson & The Roaring 20s
On view through July of 2022
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.
Outdoor Sculptures
On view year-round
Walk the museum grounds and explore our outdoor sculptures on the campus of Ella Sharp Museum.
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!