Get Your Pecha Kucha On!

by Lindsey Martin

Located in Upper South Providence, the Garden of Eatin’ provides not only a space for chefs to serve up local and organic food at an affordable price, but also the perfect setting for the 51st Pecha Kucha Night in Providence, which was held Wednesday night.

Despite the muggy weather and overcast skies, Wednesday night’s Pecha Kucha was a big hit.  This month’s theme was “Lean In,” which referred back to Sheryl Sandberg’s book Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead. A group of seven women and one man took the mic to share what this theme meant to them and how they applied it to their lives.  Stories included everything from creative director for Jamie Oliver’s RI based at home, in which she talked about having becoming a food revolutionist; to the story of Sabino Matos, council women from Ward 15 who plans on running for mayor of Providence.

This night included more than just  Pecha Kuchas though.  People came early in order to get their hands on some of food provided right from the garden.  Everything from assorted hummus and veggies and homemade breads to roasted chicken sliders were served.  And to wash down these delicious delicacies there was beverages such as blackberry mojitos, red and white wine, and iced tea.  In the midst of all this fun, there was even a raffle for an assortment of baskets, some of which included bread and jams, Starbucks items, and veggies.

Now for those of you who are unfamiliar with the Pecha Kucha phenomenon, it is basically a way for people to share their ideas or stories.  But here is the catch:  presenters are allowed 20 slides and 20 seconds per slide for a total of 6 minutes and 40 seconds to share whatever their heart desires. This adult show and tell started back in 2003 in Tokyo and has since made its way to the USA and landed in Providence in March of 2009.

Missed this months Pecha Kucha? No worries, you can catch the next one!   This event takes place on the last Wednesday of each month. For more information and upcoming Pecha Kucha nights, check out  www.pechakucha.org/cities/providence