● Our Story
Why Human Imagination Initiative (Hii)?
We fundamentally believe that human imagination (hi) is the foundation upon which humanity survives and thrives. The creative process, fueled by imagination, is a spiritual journey inward towards our highest selves. It is through these explorations, and the difficult work they demand, that the individual, and therefore the human race overall, evolves and solves the hardest problems of our day.
The awareness we cultivate with these personal discoveries reconnects us to the natural world and awaken us to the force that moves in and through all things. Thus grounded and true, we are then able to expand our collective universe by bringing to life that which did not previously exist. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers to outsource our creativity and critical thinking. With AI, there is no need to practice our craft or discover our artistic or critical voice. We can offload these long and tedious processes by immediately prompting AI to create, think and answer for us. But by doing so, we bypass the wisdom our inner struggles offer us and forego the pure joy of learning how to express ourselves.
In short, AI threatens to co-opt the very essence of what it means to be human. If you choose to engage with AI at all, keep it where it belongs. As a tool for, not a replacement of, your imagination.
This equation must always be true in our own minds: hi > AI
● Our Story
Our Creative Sanctuary in
North Adams, MA
FreshGrass Annex
Our creative center. Nestled on the Porches Inn campus in North Adams, MA, the FreshGrass Annex is a minimalist retreat designed for artists, thinkers, and curious travelers.
Inspired by Shaker and Quaker values, this new space offers distraction-free rooms with natural materials, and serene design touches. With shared living areas and space for collaboration, it’s more than a place to stay—it’s a haven for creativity, conversation, and reflection in the heart of the Berkshires.
Here we host creative workshops, camps, retreats, and much more.
Studio 9
At the heart of every FreshGrass Institute program is our Studio 9 — an intimate state of the art recording studio and performance venue also located on our Porches Inn campus in North Adams, MA.
The unique building was designed and built from the ground up with music and sustainability in mind. It is 100% carbon neutral and is equipped with a Meyer Sound Constellation System along with numerous state of the art features like Spacemap Go Spatial Sound.
FreshGrass Institute
The FreshGrass Institute (FGI), an initiative by the FreshGrass Foundation, is dedicated to advancing the rich traditions and innovative future of roots and Americana music.
Based in North Adams, Massachusetts in partnership with the Porches Inn at MASS MoCA, the campus includes Studio 9, our state-of-the-art recording and performance space, and ample housing and creative spaces for artists and event attendees.
With a goal to nurture emerging talent and support established artists, we foster creative growth and community engagement through hands-on experiences and thoughtful mentorship. Located at the intersection of tradition and innovation, we act as a catalyst for musical discovery and cultural enrichment. Through its programs, FGI amplifies diverse voices, human imagination, preserving the heritage of roots music while propelling it into new, exciting directions.
Gary Lichtenstein Editions
Over the course of his remarkable 45-year career, Gary Lichtenstein has produced a wide range of silkscreen editions and multiples with artists including Cey Adams, Charlie Ahearn, Doug Argue, Janette Beckman, Roz Chast, Richard Corman, Bill Blast, Michael De Feo, Jane Dickson, Danielle Frankenthal, Mako Fujimura, Joanne Greenbaum, Bob Gruen, and many others.
Gary Lichtenstein Editions (GLE) is a publisher and printer of fine art silkscreen editions, located on the first floor of building #13 at MASS MoCA in North Adams, MA.
In addition to custom screenprinting services, GLE frequently curates exhibitions, produces events and cultivates site-specific projects and educational programs.
FreshGrass and Hii is honored to partner with GLE to design captivating fundraising initiatives that support our mission to shine light on the power of the human imagination in an increasingly AI-driven world. and engage new audiences.