May 11, 2026

Longtime Sioux Falls-based metal art business Prairie Dance has been acquired by the up-and-coming local metal art business Sunbird Metal Works.

Founded in 1997 by Terri and Todd Schuver, Prairie Dance is known for its unique handcrafted metal decor sold through the Schuvers’ downtown retail store, Sticks and Steel.

“Prairie Dance has been such a meaningful part of our lives, and finding the right people to carry it forward was incredibly important to us,” Terri Schuver said in a statement. “Adam and Alexa (Jerstad) share our commitment to quality and creativity, and we’re confident the brand is in great hands.”

Sunbird Metal Works was founded in 2024 by the Jerstads.

“Adam and I always dreamed of starting our own business,” Alexa Jerstad said. “With his 10-plus years of design and manufacturing experience, a custom metal fabrication company seemed like a good fit for us. With the growing Sioux Falls community, demand for custom metal signage and decor is high. People want to shop local.”

Their products usually have a modern, industrial look, she added.

“And, of course, the designs often celebrate our love of South Dakota,” she said.

“We also do a lot of custom signs for businesses, turning their logo into statement pieces for their offices or storefronts. Because of our smaller size, we deliver more-affordable, small-scale custom pieces that other, larger fabrication shops usually can’t accommodate.”

Prairie Dance metal art will complement the portfolio, with a finish unique in the marketplace.

It was developed by “a complete accident, and the first time we got that result, we weren’t really sure how it happened,” Schuver said. “Then over several weeks and attempts, we were finally able to replicate the swirled copper-colored finish on products consistently.”

The pieces also use a heavier gauge of steel than many decorative metal manufacturers, she added.

When the chance came to acquire Prairie Dance, it seems like a logical fit for both, the owners said.

“We’re honored to continue the legacy that Terri and Todd have built with Prairie Dance,” Adam Jerstad said. “Their designs and craftsmanship have created a strong following both locally and across the country. We’re excited to build on that foundation and continue producing the quality pieces customers know and love.”

The Schuvers will continue to own Sticks and Steel, which is located at 8th & Railroad Center and marks 25 years in business this year.

Prairie Works decor will continue to be sold at Sticks and Steel as well as on Etsy and other channels nationwide. Through 2024, Prairie Dance products were shown in Atlanta, Dallas and Las Vegas wholesale showrooms. Orders were shipped nationwide to gift stores, galleries and home decor stores.

“Many of those wholesale accounts are going to be thrilled to hear that they can once again share Prairie Dance products with their customers,” Schuver said. “We wish Adam and Alexa years of continued success with the business!”

Sunbird products are found on the company’s website, its Etsy shop and locally at Sticks and Steel, Canopy by Hilton and Carla’s Flower Farm. The Jerstads also will be at the Brookings Summer Arts Festival, the Summer Arts Festival during Yankton Riverboat Days and the Sidewalk Arts Festival in Sioux Falls.

Manufacturing for Prairie Dance will continue to be done in the Sticks and Steel location as well as some fabrication at the Jerstads’ home. They said they see opportunity to expand the brand’s offerings.

“We’re thrilled to be part of Prairie Dance’s next chapter,” Alexa Jerstad said. “As a local family-owned business ourselves, we value the importance of preserving what makes this brand special while finding ways to grow and evolve.”