Hand-drawn hometown collection
A hand-drawn celebration of Joliet, available exclusively at Tazza Coffee.
Community
Joliet is a city of bold landmarks, enduring stories, and a community spirit all its own. The Rialto Square Theatre, Old Joliet Prison, Route 66, Union Station, and the Des Plaines River give residents plenty to celebrate and visitors a fascinating place to explore.
Where to find it
2296 Essington Rd
Joliet, IL 60435
Store hours
Checked September 14, 2026. Holiday, seasonal, and special-event hours may vary.
The collaboration
The Joliet Mug began with local research and a collaboration with Tazza 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 Joliet.
The story behind the mug
Ashley partnered with Tazza Coffee to create a mug rooted in Joliet.
Research and community input highlighted Route 66, grand architecture, rail and river history, and local sports.
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 Tazza Coffee.
Inside the illustration
Each element celebrates a recognizable part of the community’s history, landscape, gathering places, and everyday life.
Rialto Square Theatre helps tell the story of Joliet and the character residents recognize as home.
Old Joliet Prison helps tell the story of Joliet and the character residents recognize as home.
Route 66 helps tell the story of Joliet and the character residents recognize as home.
Joliet Union Station helps tell the story of Joliet and the character residents recognize as home.
Des Plaines River helps tell the story of Joliet and the character residents recognize as home.
Joliet Slammers helps tell the story of Joliet and the character residents recognize as home.
The creative process
The shape of Rialto Square Theatre helped establish the look of this mug. From there, I layered in Old Joliet Prison, Route 66, and Joliet Union Station, using the contrasts between them to create a wraparound drawing that could only belong to Joliet.
A meaningful local gift
For Christmas, a birthday, or an everyday reminder of home, this hand-drawn Joliet, Illinois mug is a personal local gift for anyone who knows and loves the community.