The journal · Place & memory

Downers Grove Through My Mother's Memories

A family connection changes how the Tivoli and Main Street Station appear in this mug story.

In this story
  1. Details in the drawing
  2. See the finished mug
  3. A gift idea with a real place behind it

My mom grew up in Downers Grove, and our family visited often when I was young. Those memories made the downtown landmarks feel lived in to me, not merely convenient subjects for a drawing.

Artist Ashley Ann’s hand-drawn process for The Downers Grove Mug
The Downers Grove drawing in progress.

Details in the drawing

The wraparound artwork includes Tivoli Theatre, Main Street Station, Lyman Woods and Fishel Park. Each is part of the place this mug was drawn to remember.

See the finished mug

Explore the artwork and find current shop information on The Downers Grove Mug page. The mug is carried through Mud and Char; please check the mug page or contact the shop before making a special trip.

A gift idea with a real place behind it

Tivoli Theatre and Main Street Station give this design two points to recognize on a return visit. For someone who knows Downers Grove through trips rather than an address, pair the mug with a note about a particular stop or a plan to go back. It keeps the gift tied to an experience instead of a generic destination.

Soli Deo Gloria,Ashley Ann’s handwritten signature

Ashley Ann

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