CELINA-The Historic Clay County Courthouse will play host to a special screening of the documentary film “A Long Hard Streak” and an art exhibit of Billy Dean Anderson’s work here next Saturday.

The event made possible by the Tennessee Arts Commission will take place free to the public on March 15.

“We will screen “A Long Hard Streak” at 2:30 p.m., (and) after the film, owners of authentic Billy Dean Anderson artwork will share their paintings, drawings, and carvings with the audience,” organizers said.

Anderson, who is the subject of the documentary to be shown at the event, was a prolific criminal and outsider artist who lived in a cave here in the Upper Cumberland for almost five years while on the run from the FBI.

The cave became his home, spiritual refuge, and art studio.

Anderson’s decades-spanning criminal career included multiple imprisonments, three shootouts with the law, three prison escapes, and culminated with an addition to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list.

Prior to his escapades, Anderson was raised by his grandparents in nearby Pall Mall, TN.

As a boy he was involved with the church and on the path to becoming a preacher, but at a distinct point he took a drastic turn toward crime.  He was obsessively creative and deeply connected to nature, but had a violent, criminal streak.

The film to be screened at the courthouse confronts these two extremes, both explosive and spiritually redemptive, and explores the insular society he called home.

For more information about the documentary, visit longhardstreak.com, where the movie’s trailer can also be found for viewing.