What’s that? New sculpture at Jackson museum adds a pop of color to grounds

A life size sculpture from artist Tom Fruin sits on the grounds of the Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History, 3225 Fourth Street in Jackson, as seen on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. The work, titled “Street Ministry,” may become a part of the museum’s permanent collection.

JACKSON, MI — If you have driven by the Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History on Fourth Street recently, a new sculpture has likely caught your eye.

The life-size structure from New York-based artist Tom Fruin titled “Street Ministry,” is currently on loan and may become a part of the museum’s permanent collection.

A fundraising campaign to make that happen is about three quarters complete, said Ella Sharp Museum Executive Director Jeremy Frew.

A life size sculpture from artist Tom Fruin sits on the grounds of the Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History, 3225 Fourth Street in Jackson, as seen on Sunday night, Jan. 18, 2026. The work, titled “Street Ministry,” may become a part of the museum’s permanent collection.

The sculpture was placed in front of the museum’s farm house for visibility but the staff has not decided on a permanent location on the grounds.

In the fundraising mailing, the sculpture is described this way: “This stunning acrylic and steel sculpture radiated light and color, inviting us inside for moments of contemplation and reflection.”

A life size sculpture from artist Tom Fruin sits on the grounds of the Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History, 3225 Fourth Street in Jackson, as seen on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. The work, titled “Street Ministry,” may become a part of the museum’s permanent collection.

The sculpture is part of a grander plan for the space around the museum.

“It’s one of many pieces we have on the grounds,” Frew said. “(Our goal) is to create a gallery on the premises.”

Frew especially likes the sculpture after dark with the lighting installed on the platform where the sculpture sits.

A life size sculpture from artist Tom Fruin sits on the grounds of the Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History, 3225 Fourth Street in Jackson, as seen on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. The work, titled “Street Ministry,” may become a part of the museum’s permanent collection.

The museum grounds for viewing the outdoor sculptures is open from dawn to dusk and is free to the public.

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A life size sculpture from artist Tom Fruin sits on the grounds of the Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History, 3225 Fourth Street in Jackson, as seen on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. The work, titled “Street Ministry,” may become a part of the museum’s permanent collection.

A life size sculpture from artist Tom Fruin sits on the grounds of the Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History, 3225 Fourth Street in Jackson, as seen on Sunday night, Jan. 18, 2026. The work, titled “Street Ministry,” may become a part of the museum’s permanent collection.

A life size sculpture from artist Tom Fruin sits on the grounds of the Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History, 3225 Fourth Street in Jackson, as seen on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. The work, titled “Street Ministry,” may become a part of the museum’s permanent collection.

A life size sculpture from artist Tom Fruin sits on the grounds of the Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History, 3225 Fourth Street in Jackson, as seen on Sunday night, Jan. 18, 2026. The work, titled “Street Ministry,” may become a part of the museum’s permanent collection.

A life size sculpture from artist Tom Fruin sits on the grounds of the Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History, 3225 Fourth Street in Jackson, as seen on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. The work, titled “Street Ministry,” may become a part of the museum’s permanent collection.

A life size sculpture from artist Tom Fruin sits on the grounds of the Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History, 3225 Fourth Street in Jackson, as seen on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. The work, titled “Street Ministry,” may become a part of the museum’s permanent collection.