Hand-drawn hometown collection
A hand-drawn celebration of Downers Grove, available exclusively at Mud and Char.
Directions to Mud and CharCommunity
Downers Grove feels both lively and grounded, with a walkable downtown, treasured green spaces, and traditions that span generations. The Tivoli Theatre, Main Street station, Lyman Woods, local shops, and neighborhood events make it a rewarding place to live and visit.
Where to find it
2742 Maple Ave
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Store hours
Checked September 14, 2026. Holiday, seasonal, and special-event hours may vary.
The collaboration
The Downers Grove Mug began with local research and a collaboration with Mud and Char. 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 Downers Grove.
Around Downers Grove
The story behind the mug
Ashley partnered with Mud and Char to create a mug rooted in Downers Grove.
Research and community input highlighted historic downtown, theatre, parks, and the village’s rail connection.
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 Mud and Char.
Inside the illustration
Each element celebrates a recognizable part of the community’s history, landscape, gathering places, and everyday life.
Tivoli Theatre helps tell the story of Downers Grove and the character residents recognize as home.
Main Street Station helps tell the story of Downers Grove and the character residents recognize as home.
Lyman Woods helps tell the story of Downers Grove and the character residents recognize as home.
Fishel Park helps tell the story of Downers Grove and the character residents recognize as home.
Downers Grove Museum helps tell the story of Downers Grove and the character residents recognize as home.
Downtown Downers Grove helps tell the story of Downers Grove and the character residents recognize as home.
The creative process
Tivoli Theatre gave me the architectural starting point for this design. I balanced it with Main Street Station, Lyman Woods, and Fishel Park, drawing each one separately before fitting them together into a continuous view of Downers Grove.
A meaningful local gift
Whether someone has just moved to Downers Grove, Illinois, is preparing to leave, or still calls it home from miles away, this hometown mug offers a warm and useful connection to the community.
