HATCHing creative minds

Two years ago while flying home from a meeting in Chicago I was overwhelmed with a heavy feeling. I wrote these words in my journal: "I can sense a darkness building. It's not the darkness of some evil force coming toward us, but of the light disappearing within us. What can we do, my brothers, to rekindle the fires of creativity and inspiration?" With all the war and poverty and hatred... it began to feel overwhelming. Like mankind was running out of creative fuel - and fresh ideas that would take us to the next level.

My family and I decided to move from Atlanta, GA to Asheville, NC and do something about it. Strange things happen when you let them, I've found. Within 4 months of living in Asheville, I came upon a group of creative professionals who were thinking along the same lines. NEED MORE CREATIVITY! This group was known as HATCH. Turns out they were gearing up to launch the inaugural HATCHfest in Asheville... so I got on board and am helping bring this amazing event to Asheville in TWO WEEKS: April 15 - 19, 2009.

If you're in the area (or can get here) you simply must attend. The event celebrates mentoring, inspiration, education and recognition for the next generation of creative innovators. Filmmakers, musicians, fashion designers, photographers, architects, journalists and designers from around the world will be here for four days of amazing engagement and inspiration.

For more information, visit www.HATCHasheville.org.