‘Hillbilly’s’ Repurpose Project to open storefront

By Jodi Schwan

Shane Sutherland started his Facebook group four years ago as a place for people to buy, sell or trade unique and antique items.

Almost 18,000 members later, The “Hillbilly’s” Repurpose Project Center soon will get a physical home.

Sutherland, who also owns Hillbilly Paintworks Reclaim & Design, will open a storefront this month at 508 E. Maple St., southwest of St. Michael Catholic Cemetery.

While thousands know him as a purveyor and up-cycler of items, few realize he also paints for a living, he said.

“I thought it’d be nice to move the painting operation to a nice environment,” he said. “People can come in and see examples of barn wood, finishes, samples. I do cabinet refinishes, so they can see before and after. And then we will mix it with the better antiques or junk on top of the furniture builds I do.”

He does remodeling, painting and custom furniture for residential and commercial clients. Recent projects include The Barrel House and Tinner’s.

The Facebook group has spanned a broad audience of people interested in making old things new again.

“I probably get 20 to 25 questions a week on types of products to use or to change the appearance of something,” Sutherland said. “This will be a good way to come in and do hands-on stuff, and hopefully by next year I can do some classes.”

The main room of his new space will include furniture and his design studio, where customers can come talk about ideas for projects.

“I want to do high-end design for the working man, something that they can afford with rustic or contemporary themes.”

A second area will include “more junk pieces” and some of the many items he has available through the Facebook group.

He plans to be open two full weekends a month and “by appointment or chance” the rest of the time, he said. He lives nearby, so meeting customers should be convenient.

“I try to keep my money on top of Cliff (Avenue) hill as much as possible and definitely in Sioux Falls,” he said. “I like doing things a little different, but it’s always seemed to work.”

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‘Hillbilly’s’ Repurpose Project to open storefront

Shane Sutherland started his Facebook group four years ago as a place for people to buy, sell or trade unique and antique items. Almost 18,000 members later, it’s getting a physical home.

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