Build something historic
- Custom Development
- Web Design
- UX strategy
- User Interface Design
- Strategy Workshops
- Content Management
Industries
Arts & Entertainment Venue
Year
2022–Ongoing
Living History
Wheeler Opera House has been the cultural cornerstone of Aspen, Colorado since 1889. More than a historic venue, it’s an important gathering place for creativity and community. To bridge its storied past and dynamic future, we reimagined Wheeler’s brand and website—crafting a digital experience that honors its legacy while inviting audiences to be part of the Opera House’s ongoing history.
The Challenge
Curtains up.
Wheeler Opera House is the definition of “living history.” Even after a century, they aren’t planning on slowing down any time soon. Hosting everything from The Eagles and Oprah Winfrey, to local-acts, movies, and lectures, Wheeler’s programming is not easily defined. Our challenge was to set the stage for a platform as enduring as Wheeler itself—intuitive, user-friendly, and ready for whatever the next 135 years bring.
The Process
Timeless by design.
Like any great transformation, we started with a makeover. Wheeler’s previous branding didn’t fully capture its historic significance or cultural impact. To create a visual identity that reflects Wheeler’s mission, vision, and star power—both on stage and online—our designers explored a range of dynamic concepts. Working with bold colors, shapes, and imagery against clean typography and airy backgrounds, we landed on a design that’s as vibrant and iconic as they are.
The right note.
It can be hard to describe a place as time-honored as Wheeler, which makes finding the right message all the more important. To facilitate this, we led multiple strategy workshops to refine Wheeler’s voice, tone, and key messaging. While reworking the mission statement, we focused on what has always been at Wheeler’s core: a commitment to welcoming all community members. This guiding principle shaped the site's content and identity, ensuring every visitor knows they are invited to be a part of Wheeler’s history.
Center stage.
Act Two revolved around making Wheeler’s new site intuitive and approachable—not just for its various audiences, but for the Wheeler team as well. With so much to say, our task was to streamline the experience without overwhelming users. Tackling a thorough discovery process, we simplified navigation, clarified CTAs, and brought Wheeler’s curated programming to the surface. Our strategic content approach ensured a seamless balance between the site’s many objectives, making it easy for every visitor to find what they need.
Consider it a date.
As Aspen’s epicenter of culture and the arts, Wheeler hosts everything from major concerts to intimate community events. To support this diverse programming, they needed a robust yet organized calendar to serve as the go-to hub for all Opera House happenings. Wheeler’s new custom calendar delivers with both list and calendar views, multiple filters for featured events, printing options, and a powerful search function—making it easier than ever to explore what’s on stage.
Co-created.
Ready for our new partnership, Clique’s team leaders met with the team in Aspen to kick off the project at the beautiful Opera House. Building on an exciting start, we used that momentum to forge a trusting relationship that carried us through each phase of our work together. Collaborating as one holistic team, we blended strategy, design, and technology to help move culture forward in the arts. What began as a single project has since grown into a long-term collaboration—we’ve redesigned their ticketing site, Aspen Show Tix, and continue to provide ongoing support and enhancements.
The Solution
Whether you visited the venue last week, last month, or 100 years ago, that experience is woven into Wheeler’s legacy. Now, that legacy extends into the digital space. With a bold design, mission-driven messaging, and user-friendly content, Wheeler’s new site captures its dynamic story as it unfolds each and every day.
Key Process Solutions
Hands-on discovery to build a strong sense of understanding and unity between both teams
Messaging workshops to unearth key value and identity systems
Easy-to-use content management system that allows Wheeler’s team to grow as they please
Pair design work, including multiple iterations on Wheeler’s brand and visuals
A long-term partnership resulting in a redesigned ticketing site, continuous web support, and regular platform enhancements
Key Features
Bold new visual identity that brings to life Wheeler’s passion for its community and the arts
Custom event calendar to organize its wide range of programming
Strategic content that balances the needs of diverse audiences
Flexible template for whatever Wheeler wants to do next
"From the very beginning, Clique Studios listened to our insights, which informed an end product that we are immensely proud of. I cannot say enough about the positive experience working with Clique Studios."
NICOLE LEVESQUE, MARKETING MANAGER