Hand-drawn hometown collection
A hand-drawn celebration of Elgin, available at Blue Box Cafe, Dream Hall at 51, and Viator Coffee Co.
Community
Elgin is a creative Fox River city with striking architecture, a strong arts community, and stories visible throughout its historic downtown. The Hemmens, Gail Borden Library, public murals, and familiar riverfront landmarks give residents and visitors many ways to connect with the city.
Where to find it
Blue Box Cafe
Dream Hall at 51
Viator Coffee Co.
Store hours
Monday–Thursday: 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Monday–Thursday: 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–4 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Checked September 14, 2026. Holiday, seasonal, and special-event hours may vary.
The collaboration
The Elgin Mug grew from a community collaboration with Blue Box Cafe, Dream Hall at 51, and Viator Coffee Co. The design celebrates the places and details that make Elgin feel like home.
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 Elgin.
Mug turned mural
The Elgin Mug became larger than life when its hand-drawn local details inspired a 30-foot mural in the renovated DuPage Court.
Mural artist Joel Amore translated Ashley’s drawings onto the wall, creating a public artwork that shares Elgin’s story in the heart of downtown.
Dream Hall at 51, Viator Coffee Co., and Blue Box Cafe helped make the collaboration possible.
Read the mural storyThe story behind the mug
Ashley partnered with Blue Box Cafe, Dream Hall at 51, and Viator Coffee Co. to create a mug rooted in Elgin.
Research and community input highlighted the Fox River, architecture, arts, public spaces, and the city’s creative identity.
Ashley translated each selected place and symbol into an individual hand-drawn illustration.
Mural artist Joel Amore transformed the mug artwork into a 30-foot mural in downtown DuPage Court.
The finished mug is available through Blue Box Cafe, Dream Hall at 51, and Viator Coffee Co.
Inside the illustration
Each element celebrates a recognizable part of the community’s history, landscape, gathering places, and everyday life.
Fox River helps tell the story of Elgin and the character residents recognize as home.
Elgin Mural helps tell the story of Elgin and the character residents recognize as home.
The Hemmens helps tell the story of Elgin and the character residents recognize as home.
Gail Borden Public Library helps tell the story of Elgin and the character residents recognize as home.
Historic Downtown Elgin helps tell the story of Elgin and the character residents recognize as home.
Elgin Clock Tower helps tell the story of Elgin and the character residents recognize as home.
The creative process
I began with Fox River and used it to set the pace of the composition. Adding Elgin Mural, The Hemmens, and Gail Borden Public Library brought architecture, gathering places, and local character together without making the mug feel like a list of landmarks.
Purchasing information
176 E Chicago St
Elgin, IL 60120
51 S Grove Ave
Elgin, IL 60120
51 S Grove Ave
Elgin, IL 60120
A meaningful local gift
For Christmas, a birthday, or an everyday reminder of home, this hand-drawn Elgin, Illinois mug is a personal local gift for anyone who knows and loves the community.