In 2013, The Factory Café opens, becoming a gathering place for guests, community members, staff, workshop participants, and visitors to dine—and create. Four-by-six-inch recycled cards and sharp pencils are placed on each table so that guests can draw and write. The collection of thoughtful notes and unique sketches that are regularly left behind are photographed for what becomes the “Left on the Café Table” series.
In 2020, The Factory Café closes permanently for lunch service and the Friends of the Café dinners are suspended due to the risks of COVID-19. We are eternally grateful to our guests, chefs, and team members for the delicious lunches shared at these tables—and also for the beautiful notes left behind.
In 2022, The Factory Café will resume the Friends of the Café dinners, beginning with chef Whitney Otawka for the Project Threadways Symposium Welcome Dinner on April 21st. Reach out to events@alabamachanin.com for more information on the series, to receive updates about the upcoming 2022 Project Threadways Symposium, or to learn more about our ongoing Covid protocols for joining together safely.
Slide 1: Left on the Café Table findings, 2013–2021, photograph by Abraham Rowe
Slide 2: Recycled cards on the café table, hand-stenciled with facets, ready for a note or drawing, 2016, photograph by Rinne Allen
Slide 3–5: Assorted Left on the Café Table findings,
2013–2021, photographs by Abraham Rowe