Hand-drawn hometown collection
A hand-drawn celebration of DeKalb, available exclusively at Cast Iron Coffee.
Community
DeKalb is a city where university energy, agricultural heritage, and a creative downtown come together. NIU, the Egyptian Theatre, Lincoln Highway, the Ellwood House, and the story of DeKalb corn make this community instantly recognizable to those who know and love it.
Where to find it
901 Lucinda Ave, Suite D
DeKalb, IL 60115
Store hours
Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Checked September 14, 2026. Holiday and special-event hours may vary.
View current Cast Iron Coffee hoursThe collaboration
The DeKalb Mug began with local research and a collaboration with Cast Iron Coffee. Ashley translated the community’s recognizable places and shared references into an original drawing designed for everyday use.
Each element began as an individual hand drawing. Ashley refined the artwork and arranged the pieces into a continuous design made to wrap around a ceramic mug, creating a keepsake that feels specific to DeKalb.
The story behind the mug
Ashley partnered with Cast Iron Coffee to create a mug rooted in DeKalb.
Research and community input highlighted Northern Illinois University, theatre, agriculture, and the city’s historic streets.
Ashley translated each selected place and symbol into an individual hand-drawn illustration.
The drawings were refined and arranged into a continuous design that rewards a closer look.
The finished mug became a locally available keepsake through Cast Iron Coffee.
Inside the illustration
Each element celebrates a recognizable part of the community’s history, landscape, gathering places, and everyday life.
NIU Altgeld Hall helps tell the story of DeKalb and the character residents recognize as home.
Egyptian Theatre helps tell the story of DeKalb and the character residents recognize as home.
Ellwood House Museum helps tell the story of DeKalb and the character residents recognize as home.
Lincoln Highway helps tell the story of DeKalb and the character residents recognize as home.
DeKalb Corn helps tell the story of DeKalb and the character residents recognize as home.
NIU Huskies helps tell the story of DeKalb and the character residents recognize as home.
The creative process
The shape of NIU Altgeld Hall helped establish the look of this mug. From there, I layered in Egyptian Theatre, Ellwood House Museum, and Lincoln Highway, using the contrasts between them to create a wraparound drawing that could only belong to DeKalb.
A meaningful local gift
A thoughtful choice for a realtor closing gift, new homeowner, or longtime resident, the artwork turns familiar DeKalb, Illinois landmarks into a useful keepsake rather than an ordinary souvenir.