Oddkin Unite!

Oddkin Unite gathers unlikely people together (“oddkin”) to share original art, food, and guided discussion. "Oddkin" is a term coined by Professor Donna Haraway who writes: "Staying with the trouble requires making oddkin; that is, we require each other in unexpected collaborations and combinations." At Kinship Plot, we believe in the power of art and food to facilitate joyful encounters and resonance across differences, and we believe in the power of the table, a place of mutuality which beckons us to receive others' stories and presence. We hope that participants of Oddkin Unite will be provoked to imagine and improvise generative and just ways to connect across differences in their own neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities.

This gathering has spots for 36 people and is suitable for ages 14+. The evening will involve sharing a delicious meal, encountering original art commissioned and created specifically for this gathering, and engaging in guided conversation around the theme.

Tickets are just $15 per person due to the generous support of Creo Arts!

About the featured creatives

Ranika Chaney (Facilitator) // Ranika is a Louisiana native and graduate of Loyola University New Orleans, where she earned her degree in Communications—Broadcast Journalism and Sociology. She is a certified Mental Health Coach and speaker for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Domestic Violence Speakers Bureau. As the founder of RanikaSpeaks, LLC., Ranika specializes in facilitating impactful events, panels, and discussions that foster connection, collaboration, and actionable outcomes. Affectionately known as the “conversation curator,” she uses her platform to create purpose-driven experiences that leave a lasting impact. Her inspiring journey—leaving a difficult marriage as a stay at home, homeschooling mom of 5 amazing children, eventually transitioning into tech, and building her own business after appearing on the Anthony O’Neal show—inspires much of her keynote speaking. Grounded in faith, she is committed to empowering others with love and hope, creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Instagram: @ranikaspeaks

Hilary Siber (Artist) // Hilary Siber Edwards is an artist living and working in Charlotte since 2016.  She graduated in 2007 from the Maryland Institute College of Art with a BFA in Environmental Design and in 2015 from Clemson University with an MFA in Painting. Her personal studio work explores the fractured aspects of perception through contemporary landscape painting and sculptures. She creates murals and sculptural installations as well as teaching part-time at the college level.

IG: @hilary_siber

Chef Gillian of A Cultured Chef (Food Curator) // “I graduated in ‘20 from the CLT campus with a bachelors in Culinary Arts & Food Service Management. I came to Johnson and Wales after finishing Active Duty service in the U.S. Air Force. In the span of a decade, I’ve lived in Japan, Korea, and England, with a short tour (deployment) to Qatar in the middle of my Sophomore year at JWU. In all of these places, when I wasn’t maintaining the avionics systems of our nations’ top fighter and reconnaissance aircraft, I had the pleasure of studying 2 of my favorite things: people and food. I’ve come to learn that at this beautiful intersection is culture, the thing that defines us all. I share my travels on a plate these days, encouraging all to eat outside their box, both as a private chef, and as a lover of community, teaching us all how to use food as medicine at many of the farmers markets here in the city. My most proud accomplishment is my non-profit, TheJuniorCulturedChefs, INC, a culinary camp for ages 7-17 that guides youth through gardening, harvesting, cooking, shopping, and composting. Follow me on IG @YourCulturedChef and Our Babies @TheJuniorCulturedChefs to see how I am/we are creating food sovereign spaces here in the Queen City."

Tabitha Chaney (Desserts) // Tabitha Chaney is a 16 year junior in high school who has distinguished herself with her love for culinary arts. Balancing the demands of school with extracurricular activities, she has developed a strong sense of creativity through writing, reading and culinary arts. As a baker, she had developed a love for a wide variety of baked goods. What began as a hobby has grown into a true passion. In addition to baking, Tabitha is also a dedicated runner. Through cross country and distance training, she has built resilience, focus and time management skills that extend well beyond athletics. Looking ahead, Tabitha aspires to continue to consider future opportunities in the culinary arts field or athletics. Tabitha is also the oldest of 5 siblings, enjoys babysitting and is an avid reader.