Hand-drawn hometown collection
A hand-drawn celebration of Mendota, available exclusively at The Coffee Barn.
15 oz ceramic mugMicrowave safeDishwasher safe
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.
The collaboration
Stephanie Amor-Arteaga at The Coffee Barn reached out after seeing my other town mugs. She wanted to make one for Mendota, the community her shop loves and serves, and I was excited to draw it with her.
We met, exchanged ideas, and talked through the local details that belonged on the mug. Stephanie’s feedback helped me refine the artwork, including replacing a detail that no longer felt right to people in town with a nod to Mendota’s history. I drew the elements by hand and brought them together for the community’s Sweet Corn Festival.
The first mugs sold out quickly at The Coffee Barn, so we arranged another batch right away. I am thankful Stephanie reached out and that we could celebrate Mendota together.
The story behind the mug
Inside the illustration
The Union Depot Railroad Museum on Main Street preserves Mendota’s railroad heritage beside the city’s passenger rail corridor.
Graves-Hume Public Library on West Main Street serves Mendota with books, educational resources, and community programs.
Mendota’s downtown Sweet Corn Festival celebrates the harvest with a community tradition of free hot, buttered sweet corn.
Mendota’s Amtrak station keeps passenger rail part of everyday life in this northern Illinois railroad town.
Farm Fields helps tell the story of Mendota and the character residents recognize as home.
Journal · Behind the drawing
The town's local details became an illustrated keepsake carried by a familiar shop.
Read the story
