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
Encounters and Light: Paintings by Sam Knecht
February 15 – May 30, 2023
The Ella Sharp Museum is proud to host a new solo exhibition of landscapes and portraits by Michigan artist Sam Knecht. Knecht is Emeritus Professor of Art, Hillsdale College, teaching 1973-2020. Additionally, he is a Signature Member of the Portrait Society of America and the Michigan Watercolor Society. His landscapes are plein air and studio creations, all in a naturalistic style. Portrait selections are non-commissioned depicting unique individuals who inspired creative interpretation.
Olivet College Student Art Alliance Exhibition
April 4 – June 5, 2023
The Ella Sharp Museum is proud to feature this year’s Art Alliance Student Exhibition. Art Alliance is a unique feature of the Visual Arts Program at Olivet College in that the student members make an impact on the greater campus community as well as the Olivet community through their outreach, exhibitions, and special programs that foster the visual arts.
Tossed & Found
September 9 – December 31, 2023
Call for Art: Reclaimed Materials Sculpture. The Ella Sharp Museum in Jackson MI invites submissions from artists for 3-dimensional, collage, and sculpture art for an upcoming exhibit, Tossed and Found. This exhibition will feature art produced from recycled, scrap, and reclaimed materials of any construction.
Art a’ Loan: 16th Annual Exhibition featuring Young Poets
On View at Ella Sharp Museum: October – November 2022
On View in the Community: December 2022 – November 2023
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. 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 are featured in a special exhibition at the Ella Sharp Museum, October – November 2022, then will be on view throughout the community until fall 2023.
Exploration Stations
On View Now
Inspired by our local community, Exploration Stations is filled with fun science-based activities connected to space, construction, the home, nature and transportation for growing explorers. Pieces of local history are also featured throughout each station for an experience all ages can enjoy.
The Magnificent Obsession: Celebrating 15 years of the Andrews Gallery of Wildlife Art
On View Now
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 Now
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.
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!
Upcoming 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.
JCAA 75th Biennial Juried Art Exhibition
June 14 – August 27
The Jackson Civic Art Association will hold the 75th Biennial Juried Art Exhibition of JCAA Members’ Art at the Ella Sharp Museum. The exhibition opens June 14th and runs through August 27th.