Hand-drawn hometown collection
A hand-drawn celebration of Oswego, available exclusively at Oak & Bean.
Community
Oswego is a growing Fox River community that keeps its historic downtown and hometown traditions close. Hudson Crossing Park, the Little White School Museum, PrairieFest, and familiar river views give residents a strong sense of belonging and visitors an inviting glimpse of local life.
Where to find it
100 W Washington St
Oswego, IL 60543
Store hours
Monday–Thursday: 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m.–9 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Checked September 14, 2026. Holiday, seasonal, and special-event hours may vary.
The collaboration
The Oswego Mug grew out of my work with Kacie at Krema Coffee in Plainfield. After collaborating on the Plainfield Mug, Kacie connected me with Connie, her fellow owner at Oak & Bean, and that introduction led to a design created especially for Oswego.
The community has received the mug so warmly, and it has sold wonderfully. Oak & Bean is more than a coffee stop for us. My husband and I also enjoy going there for wine and an occasional date night when we are in the area. It has been a fun partnership rooted in relationships between local businesses.
The story behind the mug
Ashley partnered with Oak & Bean to create a mug rooted in Oswego.
Research and community input highlighted the Fox River, historic downtown, parks, schools, and community celebrations.
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 Oak & Bean.
Inside the illustration
Each element celebrates a recognizable part of the community’s history, landscape, gathering places, and everyday life.
Fox River helps tell the story of Oswego and the character residents recognize as home.
Hudson Crossing Park helps tell the story of Oswego and the character residents recognize as home.
Historic Downtown Oswego helps tell the story of Oswego and the character residents recognize as home.
Little White School Museum helps tell the story of Oswego and the character residents recognize as home.
Oswego Water Tower helps tell the story of Oswego and the character residents recognize as home.
PrairieFest helps tell the story of Oswego and the character residents recognize as home.
The creative process
I let Fox River lead this drawing, then worked Hudson Crossing Park, Historic Downtown Oswego, and Little White School Museum into the scene around it. That flow gave me a natural way to carry the parts of Oswego people know best across the full curve of the mug.
The mug at Oak & Bean
A meaningful local gift
A thoughtful choice for a realtor closing gift, new homeowner, or longtime resident, the artwork turns familiar Oswego, Illinois landmarks into a useful keepsake rather than an ordinary souvenir.