Hand-drawn hometown collection
A hand-drawn celebration of McHenry County, available exclusively at McHenry County Museum.
Community
McHenry County is a landscape of lakes, farms, historic towns, and wide-open places to explore. From the Chain O’Lakes and Moraine Hills to Glacial Park, Volo Bog, and Woodstock Square, the county offers residents and visitors a wonderful mix of nature, heritage, and community.
Where to find it
6422 Main St
Union, IL 60180
Store hours
Tuesday–Friday: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday–Monday: Closed
Checked September 14, 2026. Holiday, seasonal, and special-event hours may vary.
The collaboration
The McHenry County Mug began with local research and a collaboration with McHenry County Museum. 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 McHenry County.
The story behind the mug
Ashley partnered with McHenry County Museum to create a mug rooted in McHenry County.
Research and community input highlighted glacial landscapes, lakes, historic towns, agriculture, and natural preserves.
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 McHenry County Museum.
Inside the illustration
Each element celebrates a recognizable part of the community’s history, landscape, gathering places, and everyday life.
Historic Woodstock Square helps tell the story of McHenry County and the character residents recognize as home.
Moraine Hills State Park helps tell the story of McHenry County and the character residents recognize as home.
Glacial Park helps tell the story of McHenry County and the character residents recognize as home.
Volo Bog helps tell the story of McHenry County and the character residents recognize as home.
Chain O’Lakes helps tell the story of McHenry County and the character residents recognize as home.
McHenry County Farms helps tell the story of McHenry County and the character residents recognize as home.
The creative process
Historic Woodstock Square set the tone for this composition. I paired it with Moraine Hills State Park, Glacial Park, and Volo Bog, allowing the natural setting and the community’s recognizable places to share the story rather than compete for space.
A meaningful local gift
A thoughtful choice for a realtor closing gift, new homeowner, or longtime resident, the artwork turns familiar McHenry County, Illinois landmarks into a useful keepsake rather than an ordinary souvenir.
Purchasing information