Hand-drawn hometown collection
A hand-drawn celebration of Mendota, available exclusively at The Coffee Barn.
Community
Mendota’s railroad and agricultural roots still shape the welcoming character of this prairie community. The Union Depot Museum, historic downtown, library, surrounding farm fields, and Sweet Corn Festival celebrate the places and traditions that connect residents across generations.
Where to find it
701 Illinois Ave
Mendota, IL 61342
Store hours
Checked September 14, 2026. Holiday, seasonal, and special-event hours may vary.
The collaboration
The Mendota Mug began with local research and a collaboration with The Coffee Barn. Ashley translated the community’s recognizable places and shared references into an original drawing designed for everyday use.
The Mendota Mug sold through its first shop inventory quickly. The Coffee Barn described it as exactly the kind of small-town project Mendota loves.
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 Mendota.
The story behind the mug
Ashley partnered with The Coffee Barn to create a mug rooted in Mendota.
Research and community input highlighted railroad history, agriculture, civic landmarks, and the Sweet Corn Festival.
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 The Coffee Barn.
Inside the illustration
Each element celebrates a recognizable part of the community’s history, landscape, gathering places, and everyday life.
Union Depot Railroad Museum helps tell the story of Mendota and the character residents recognize as home.
Graves-Hume Public Library helps tell the story of Mendota and the character residents recognize as home.
Mendota Sweet Corn Festival helps tell the story of Mendota and the character residents recognize as home.
Amtrak Station helps tell the story of Mendota and the character residents recognize as home.
Historic Downtown Mendota helps tell the story of Mendota and the character residents recognize as home.
Farm Fields helps tell the story of Mendota and the character residents recognize as home.
Around Mendota
The creative process
Union Depot Railroad Museum gave me the architectural starting point for this design. I balanced it with Graves-Hume Public Library, Mendota Sweet Corn Festival, and Amtrak Station, drawing each one separately before fitting them together into a continuous view of Mendota.
The mug and its making
A meaningful local gift
The mug makes a meaningful Mendota, Illinois housewarming gift, new-home welcome, or moving-away keepsake. Its hand-drawn local details give residents and former residents something familiar to recognize with every cup.