Hand-drawn hometown collection
A hand-drawn celebration of Genoa, available exclusively at Open Door Coffee.
Community
Genoa is a close-knit community set in the beautiful Kishwaukee River valley, where agricultural roots and small-town life remain part of its identity. The historic downtown, Russell Woods, local schools, and familiar gathering places create a hometown residents are proud to share.
Where to find it
502 W Main St
Genoa, IL 60135
Store hours
Checked September 14, 2026. Holiday, seasonal, and special-event hours may vary.
The collaboration
The Genoa Mug began with local research and a collaboration with Open Door Coffee. Ashley translated the community’s recognizable places and shared references into an original drawing designed for everyday use.
The Genoa Mug has been available through Open Door Coffee since the early years of Ashley’s hometown mug collection, later expanding to include a coordinating tumbler.
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 Genoa.
The story behind the mug
Ashley partnered with Open Door Coffee to create a mug rooted in Genoa.
Research and community input highlighted the Kishwaukee River, agriculture, schools, and the character of its historic centre.
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 Open Door Coffee.
Inside the illustration
Each element celebrates a recognizable part of the community’s history, landscape, gathering places, and everyday life.
Kishwaukee River helps tell the story of Genoa and the character residents recognize as home.
Historic Downtown Genoa helps tell the story of Genoa and the character residents recognize as home.
Russell Woods helps tell the story of Genoa and the character residents recognize as home.
Grain Elevator helps tell the story of Genoa and the character residents recognize as home.
Genoa-Kingston Cogs helps tell the story of Genoa and the character residents recognize as home.
OpenDoor Coffee helps tell the story of Genoa and the character residents recognize as home.
The creative process
I let Kishwaukee River lead this drawing, then worked Historic Downtown Genoa, Russell Woods, and Grain Elevator into the scene around it. That flow gave me a natural way to carry the parts of Genoa people know best across the full curve of the mug.
A meaningful local gift
Whether someone has just moved to Genoa, 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.