CREATIVE MATTER
Where Everyone Is an Artist, in honor of Jeremiah McCarthy
Creative Matter was founded by K-12 special education teacher Riley Smith and freelance artist Jeremiah McCarthy – both pediatric brain tumor survivors and mentors. Born during COVID as a virtual way to keep families connected, what began as a quarterly art night has grown into a vibrant community program.
Now, families can join monthly art and cooking workshops, survivor and sibling paint nights, writing sessions, and more – all designed to build confidence, connection, and the joy of creating together!
For more info, reach out to Kayla Giacin at kgiacin@cbtf.org.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Monthly Art Workshops
CBTF Cooks
Young Adult
Paint Night
Seasonal Workshops
CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL OF OUR UPCOMING ACTIVITIES!
REMEMBERING JEREMIAH MC CARTHY
August 18, 1993 – September 11, 2025
Jeremiah McCarthy was a guiding force behind Creative Matter as one of its co-founders. In 2023, he became the Lead Teaching Artist, bringing even more ingenuity and passion to the program Jeremiah often reflected on how art carried him through countless hospital visits and recovery at home, easing the isolation he experienced. His goal was to share that same experience with other survivors going through similar challenge
On September 11th, 2025, Jeremiah passed away suddenly in his sleep. The hole he left in the creative community ran and continues to run deep.
The talent and passion many survivors possess and attribute to a part of their healing journey is something Jeremiah felt strongly about. He always said that there is no certain level of ability that makes you an artist, it only takes your desire to create. In his honor, we have included this into the Creative Matter name, now calling it “Creative Matter: Where Everyone Is an Artist, In honor of Jeremiah McCarthy”
Creative Matter is made possible through funding from the Jenna’s Rainbow Foundation.
Thank you for bringing the arts to brain tumor families across the country!