CASE STUDY

North House Folk School

A holistic brand experience builds community for a Minnesota nonprofit.

Nestled along the rugged shores of Lake Superior, North House Folk School has been keeping traditional crafts and skills alive for over two decades. But even a beloved institution needs a spark of innovation to stay relevant in the digital age. When North House approached Sharp Creative, they sought to amplify their reach and connect with a new generation eager to learn the timeless arts.

"Sharp Creative helped us translate the magic of North House Folk School into a captivating online experience. The new website is a testament to their ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design, and it's been instrumental in connecting us with a new generation of learners."

BACKGROUND

Supporting students, volunteers and donors with a streamlined web presence

North House Folk School is a nonprofit organization that teaches traditional craft skills like boatmaking, timber framing, woodcarving, and cattail weaving in Grand Marais, MN. Garnering international recognition and welcoming students from as far as Japan, the organization needed an updated brand that helped website visitors feel like a part of the school community.

Rooted in tradition yet reaching for the future, North House Folk School needed a website that could keep pace with their evolving mission. Sharp Creative combined modern design with user-friendly functionality to create a digital experience that reflects the vibrant spirit of this beloved institution. Now, finding and registering for classes is as easy as lighting a fire in one of North House’s iconic wood-fired ovens.

THE PROBLEM

Navigating turbulent digital currents

Despite offering a unique and enriching experience, North House Folk School struggled with an outdated website that hampered their efforts to attract new students and manage their growing course catalog. Their existing system relied on tedious manual processes, making it difficult for students to find information and register for classes. This created a significant barrier to enrollment and limited the school's ability to reach a wider audience.

The North House Folk School website before working with Sharp Creative

THE INSIGHT

A trusty tool you can count on

Sharp Creative ignited a vision for a website that was more than just a digital brochure—it needed to be a dynamic tool that reflected the hands-on spirit of North House Folk School, allowing volunteers and staff to efficiently manage the school’s day-to-day operations.

The team at Sharp Creative recognized the importance of simplifying the user experience while capturing the warmth and authenticity that make North House so special.

THE SOLUTION

A web presence that inspires participation and donation

Sharp Creative engaged with the school’s leadership and staff to create new brand messaging and a user-friendly website that streamlines the registration process, showcases the breadth of courses offered, and brings the North House Folk School experience to life online.

By simplifying navigation, incorporating stunning photography, and integrating online registration, the new website empowers students to easily explore their passions and connect with the school's rich tradition. The lingonberry on top? Staff is more efficient in their operations and donors are more generous than ever.