What started out as a way to introduce art to youth has become a community outreach movement: YPOP (Young People of Purpose). The exhibition, Bringing the Village to Life: The YPOP Story, opens December 19 at Ella Sharp Museum and shares the story of Jackson’s Diane Washington and the YPOP organization.

YPOP is a non-profit 501c3 youth and community organization in Jackson, MI that empowers youth to succeed through the ABC’S of success: Art, Business, Culture and Service. YPOP is based on the book Annie’s Amazing Art Venture by Diane Washington.

Visitors to the YPOP exhibit can explore:

• Highlights of Annie’s Amazing Art Venture
• Original artwork by Diane Washington and YPOP participants
• Community quilts, videos, images, and objects from a variety of YPOP Projects

Bringing the Village to Life: The YPOP Story was organized by Ella Sharp Museum and Diane Washington. The exhibition is made possible by American 1 Credit Union.

The exhibit opening and open house sponsored by American 1 Credit Union will be held on December 19 from 12-5 p.m. at Ella Sharp Museum. The event includes free admission to the museum galleries, snacks, and a gift for any child in attendance. Those planning to attend can RSVP to KatieG@ellasharp.org or by calling the museum at 517-787-2320.

Plan your visit now at ellasharpmuseum.org/visit and learn about our current and future exhibitions at ellasharpmuseum.org/exhibits.

• Exhibition: Bringing the Village to Life: The YPOP Story
• Exhibit Location: Ella Sharp Museum, 3225 Fourth St, Jackson, MI 49203
• Runs: December 19, 2021 – Summer of 2022
• Museum Admission: Adults: $5; Children: $3; Museum Members and Children Under 5: Free. Admission includes access to the Jackson History Gallery, Jackson & the Roaring 20s exhibit, Andrews Wildlife Gallery, For All the World to See, and the Never Enough Time Gallery
• Gallery Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays 12 – 5 p.m.
• Contact: 517-787-2320, info@ellasharp.org

About Ella Sharp Museum

The Ella Sharp Museum, a 501(c)(3), was founded in 1965 and offers programs, exhibits, and experiences preserving community history, advancing art appreciation, and connecting children with astronomy. Our 6-acre campus includes the Hadwin Center with exhibit galleries, program spaces, rental facilities, and offices; the Merriman Sharp farmhouse, a one-room schoolhouse, a log cabin, barn and the Hurst Planetarium. Our mission focuses on providing opportunities to connect our community with history and the arts. Additional information about Ella Sharp Museum is available at www.ellasharpmuseum.org.

About Diane Washington

Diane is a Jackson native, community leader, business-woman and entrepreneur, a recipient of the businesswoman of the year award. She has worked with Jackson Public Schools, Housing and the City with community programming for over 30 years. She provides summer and afterschool program, camps, and mentorships that empowers youth to succeed using the A,B,C,’S of success: Art, Business, Culture and Service. She is an author, painter and certified ceramicist; she is a visionary and uses her book “Annie’s Amazing Art Venture” as a tool and model to educate youth and community with curriculum that systematically promotes advances in exploration and knowledge. She has a marketing degree from Jackson College. She is passionate about her community and committed to building the village and making a difference through community service, (a recipient of the NAACP community service award). As a Master Gardener and leader in neighborhood revitalization, she created the YPOP VILLAGE Educational and Community Gardens and Markets to promote community access to fresh food and produce. She promotes intergenerational programming with youth and seniors and helps adults and the elderly with essential needs and food. She provides places and spaces for environmental and economic growth, and educational endeavors in science and agriculture. She is a connector with many community organizations creating bonds and pathways for success through collaborations and community engagement. She is a former member of many boards, and now holds a seat on the board of the Quest South East Lyons Club and District committee, on the board of Michigan Neighborhood Association, a member of Residents In Action (RIA), a community group that provides leadership in resident led work and leadership in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She is married to Rev. Starlon Washington and they have 6 children.