“Jack,” a classic folk hero whose stories and adventures have become entwined in Appalachian history and culture, has worldwide origins. Through the books of author and illustrator Gail Haley, we simultaneously become the listener and the hero and are inspired to become a storyteller, continuing the oral tradition of passing down these tales from generation to generation.

This exhibit, Everyman Jack, takes a detailed look at original prints and illustrations created by Haley for the production of several of her books, including My Kingdom for a Dragon, Mountain Jack Tales, and more. Throughout her career, Haley has written and illustrated more than 40 books and is the only person to have been awarded both the Caldecott Medal and the Kate Greenway Medal.