Cornbread Mafia by author James Higdon (pictured left) is a true life account of the largest marijuana syndicate in American history, with its roots in Marion County, Kentucky. It is the story of Johnny Boone, Charlie Bickett and the band of Kentucky farmers dubbed the Cornbread Mafia by federal prosecutors. Over seventy arrests were made and so much pot seized that investigators called the amount “inconceivable.” But the strangest and most unique aspect of the story is that among all those arrested, no one agreed to cooperate with the police and name a kingpin or even testify in exchange for a shorter sentence.

Author James Higdon’s journalistic efforts earned him the dubious honor of being the first reporter subpoenaed by the Obama Administration. He worked closely with the current fugitive Johnny Boone, digging through the history and the myth, uncovering the stories that have startled and captivated readers. Charlie Bickett, a character in Cornbread Mafia will have work on display as well (pictured below). Two of Bickett’s brothers spent 20 years in prison for their roles in the so-called Cornbread Mafia. Having spent most of his life working as a prison guard and bartender, Bickett now spends his time painting found objects, both in two-dimensions like saw blades and in three-dimensions like rescued antique furniture.