Hand-drawn hometown collection
A hand-drawn celebration of Lockport, available exclusively at Krema Coffee.
15 oz ceramic mugMicrowave safeDishwasher safe
Town
Lockport’s limestone buildings and canal heritage give the city a character that is instantly recognizable. The I&M Canal, Gaylord Building, historic clock, Dellwood Park, and generations of Porter pride come together in a community that values its history while continuing to grow.
The collaboration
I spent part of my childhood in Plainfield, so making a mug for that community was especially meaningful. After I showed the Plainfield Mug to Kacie at Krema Coffee, she asked if I would create mugs for her other locations too. Lockport became one of those new designs.
I enjoyed learning about Lockport’s history and choosing the places and details that would bring its story around the mug. I drew each element by hand, then worked with Krema to make the finished mug available in the community.
The first Lockport mugs sold out and another batch followed. Hearing from people who grew up there or wanted to share the town with loved ones made this partnership especially rewarding.
The story behind the mug
Inside the illustration
The waterway that shaped Lockport’s founding, industry, and enduring historic identity.
The 1838 limestone landmark recalls Lockport’s role as headquarters for canal construction.
The downtown clock is a familiar meeting point and recognizable part of the streetscape.
Its prominent steeple has long stood as a visible landmark near the canal and downtown.
Athletics and the Porters name celebrate the school spirit shared across the community.
The historic park represents generations of recreation, gatherings, and local traditions.
In the news
The Chicago Tribune later featured Ashley’s wider community mug project and the way locally specific artwork can turn familiar places into meaningful objects.
Read the Chicago Tribune storyThe Krema collection
Journal · Behind the drawing
The Illinois and Michigan Canal gives the town's artwork a strong historical line.
Read the story
