This article appeared in the Clarion Ledger on January 21, 2000 (Mississippi)

A Brandon man is working to turn a stumbling block into a stepping stone, overcoming a physical illness to make a name for himself in Jackson art circles.
A fight with carpal tunnel syndrome and depression couldn't quell Cyrus Webb's passion for art.
Webb, whose works will be on display Saturday and on Feb. 19 at the Ramada Coliseum Hotel in Jackson, divides his time between his own art, working as a night auditor at the hotel and volunteering as an art instructor at metro area schools.
"Growing up, I was not good in expressing myself verbally--- I used art," said Webb, 24.
"My art is of emotions...I consider myself as a poet artist painting through somebody's face."
Webb, who said his interest in art began at age 5, (spent time) in New York. But after a year in New York, he developed carpal tunnel syndrome.
"I was losing the feeling in my wrists and then I had eating disorders," Webb said. "I wasn't eating and I tried committing suicide... I felt that if I didn't have my art that I had nothing."
After months of physical therapy, Webb returnd to Mississippi in 1996, where he continued his therapy while starting a new life.
"I started working at Kroger in Brandon as a bagger and less than a year and a half, I moved to bookkeeping, which brings me to the Ramada Coliseum," said Webb.
Webb begain C. A. Webb Enterprises in 1996 as a business that specializes in private bookkeeping, writing and art, instructs in schools including Pecan Park Elementary, Ridgeland Middle, Ridgeland High, Hardy Middle, Baker Elementary and Jim Hill High.
Webb believes that art is an important way of expression, even for children.
"Some schools are taking art out, and there are kids left with all this talent and don't have a chance to express it," Webb said.
In an effort to implement more after-school programs, Webb is directing the energy of his work into the children with a six-month arts and creative writing class that starts Feb. 21.
Webb is funding the classes himself.
Deadline registration is Feb. 1 for elementary and junior high students. Twenty-one students are currently registered.
Art classes are Monday and Fridays from 4:15-5:30p.m. and creative writing classes, Wednesdays from 4:15-5:30p.m.
"Five years from now, I would like to see this program year-round," Webb said.
Webb's upcoming exhibits at the Ramada Coliseum Hotel, titled "Dark Angel" will be on display from 12-6p.m. Saturday and Feb. 19 from 12-6p.m.
The Jan. 22 exhibit will display multicultural art. The February exhibit will focus on Black History.
Admission is free.