Peace Works

06/15/2026

It’s a sign! . . . . A lovely couple and their daughter visited Peace Works on Sunday and purchased this treasure. The “Origin of the Peace Sign” canvas has been on display at Peace Works as a reminder to all that you can never have too much peace. They loved it! Their daughter went home with a “Believe There is Good in the World” tee shirt and several placemats from Peace of Quiche Cafe with various symbols of peace throughout history . . . A perfect way for new generations to share awareness.

06/10/2026

The time has come for the goodbye tour . .

I am announcing the upcoming closure of my Elsah business “Peace Works - a Market with a Mission”. After nearly 6 years with “Peace of Quiche - a Cafe with a Cause” in Grafton and over 7 years at Peace Works in Elsah, it is time for me to move on. Among other reasons, the current tariffs on imported fair trade goods from some of our poorest countries have hurt my mission and contributed to my growing concern about remaining open throughout the next year. I am a small business owner and I was in this business for the cause and raising social awareness of those in need. It was a small but fulfilling footprint. And I’m not done yet.

My mission has always and will always be “to promote peace by supporting those who make a difference”. I still believe and honor fair trade with disadvantaged producers, communities, and artisans in our developing countries — people-to-people connections. It is an ethical model rooted in justice and sustainability. And yes, I still believe there is good in the world.

Over my years in business, I have always loved meeting new people and seeing familiar faces and kindred spirits. It’s been a wonderful and inspiring experience. A quote from a dear friend continues to inspire me: “We don’t always know the impact we’re having because they’re not all in bright lights and billboards. But every time someone walks in or even walks by, they think about commerce from the perspective of purpose and even grace, and that would not happen without your presence in that time, in that place.”

I loved having my shops in Elsah. The village has an amazing “cast of characters,” and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities they have given me over the years.

I want to extend a special note of thanks to the Village of Elsah. Both former Mayor Mike Pitchford and current Mayor Patti Sontag have been absolutely instrumental in keeping our village and local businesses alive and well. Finally, a special, heartfelt thank you to local artist Ellen Connoyer Case for her unwavering support and for so generously sharing her beautiful artwork with my business over the years. Thank you all for being such a wonderful part of my journey.

If anyone is interested in this retail space or property, please contact the Village of Elsah Mayor Patti Sontag at 618-328-9405. I will remain open until early July. Please stay tuned for updates.

With peace,

Julie Connoyer, Owner

06/07/2026

Last minute . . . due to several family obligations, Peace Works will be closed today. Sorry for the inconvenience. See you next weekend.

06/05/2026

An event you won't want to miss . . . The dedication ceremony for the National Memorial of Military Ascent begins at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, at the memorial site adjacent to the Grafton Visitor’s Center and Museum, 950 E. Main St.
https://www.riversandroutes.com/events/national-memorial-of-military-ascent-dedication-ceremony/

Peace Works will be open Sat-Sun from noon'ish -4'ish. Also, the opening event for the Elsah Studio Gallery will take place from noon - 4pm on Saturday at 138 Mill Street in the Village of Elsah.

The City of Grafton, military families, veterans, community leaders and supporters will honor our nations heroes with a dedication ceremony. The event will

05/29/2026

Opening Event! Elsah Studio Gallery will hold an Open House on Saturday, June 6 from noon - 4pm. New to the Village of Elsah, all are invited to explore this unique cottage at 138 Mill Street, Elsah, Il. From June - October, the Gallery will be open weekends, Saturdays and Sundays, Noon to 4pm.

This new venue for art and antiques will open featuring Six Regional Artist's works: David Coughtry, Dan Kistler, Libby Reuter, Danne Rhaesa, Sun Smith-Forêt, and Jonathan & Jan Wright. Among the items for sale are paintings, drawings, pottery, sculpture, figurative works, glass constructions, abstractions and landscape. Furniture pieces (antique to mid-century), artifacts, and decorative and utilitarian objects, such as quilts, hand-stitched journals and unique glassware will be on display and for sale.

We hope to see you there! Danne and Mike Rhaesa"

05/26/2026

Local artist Ellen Connoyer Case recently finished two commissioned canvases for a mother and bride. If interested in commissioning your own piece, contact Ellen at [email protected]
Peace Works will be open Sat-Sun from 1-4

05/21/2026

Adorable new items from T&J Woodworks for purchase at Peace Works. The handmade and hand-painted tray with glass airtight jars are perfect for pasta, sugar, flour, cookies, snacks, you name it! The colorful daises will also look great on your kitchen counter.
The gift shop will be open this weekend from noon to 3:00’ish.

05/13/2026

A huge thanks to Dea Hoover, Director of "Are We There Yet?" tours and Rod Jackson, our favorite (and most excellent) Elsah tour guide for bringing nearly 55 guests to the Village of Elsah today! A gorgeous day with many smiling visitors sharing stories and enjoying some shopping along with their historic walk through the Village.

05/11/2026

Thank you to everyone who spent part of their day in the Village of Elsah. Family, friends, returning customers, and new visitors enjoyed a delicious brunch at State Street on LaSalle before taking a leisurely walk to Peace Works for some Mother’s Day shopping. The sunshine, the company, and the conversations made it a special day for all.

05/09/2026

Don't forget the special role model in your life on Mothers Day!. Stop in the gift shop at Peace works for the unique gift that says it all. Open this Saturday from 12-4 and Sunday from noon'ish to 3'ish.