Cancer, two comas and the doubts of doctors only made artist Carolyn Jackson stronger.

She lived through her obstacles when she wasn't expected to survive either coma, which left her left hand paralyzed, five years ago.

And despite her paralyzed hand, she's still painting, but only with two fingers now.

"It's like a crab," she said, describing how she paints.

"I love to paint. It's been kind of a saving grace for me. It made me use my hands."

Ms. Jackson, along with other artists in the Marshall Art League, will open their "Spring Fling" exhibit with a reception Tuesday from 5 to 6 p.m. at Marshall Visual Art Center. Charles Niswonger will provide musical entertainment on his saw. -4/18-