Revolutionary store in Issaquah

Published 2:53 pm Tuesday, April 9, 2013

How refreshing it is to not see “made in China” anywhere in Revolution Gallery and Gifts in Gilman Village. Supporting American made goods is the goal of Laura Scheuffele’s store.

Everything you see or touch is made somewhere in the USA, even locally. If anything has been made outside the USA it is strictly for detail work, where local artists send their work to places like Bali, Mexico or other underprivileged countries. The money those artists earn are returned to the villages they live in.

“It would have to help someone or I won’t carry it,” Scheuffele said. “That’s my mission.”

Scheuffele purchased the already established store three years ago. Originally called “Evolution Gallery,” which carried only recycled art, the store has been in Gilman Village for 20 years. Scheuffele is the fourth owner, but she is no stranger to business. An Issaquah High School and University of Washington graduate, she opened her first business in Japan. It was an English conversation School in Tokyo. Upon returning to the United States, she owned a Montessori school for 30 years in Renton.

Today, even running the gallery seven days a week, she still offers after-school homework help for kids. Scheuffele is also an artist. The wall leading to the upper level of the gallery is covered in her own original paintings. Her medium is mostly acrylic on canvas, depicting people, places and things.

There’s no pressure when you enter Revolution. Scheuffele allows customers to get drawn in to all of the unique goods.

“After a while, if they look lost, I’ll act as a tour guide to help them,” she said.

There is much to look at. Themed birdhouses line the stairs leading to the upper level. Jewelry, dolls, wind-chimes, yard art, watercolor prints and cards are sprinkled throughout the store. A line of exquisite maple sofa tables, end tables and jewelry boxes and a mint-condition 1902 parlor stove are among the larger items.

Scheuffele’s husband, William, acquired the functioning stove at an auction. It stands as a centerpiece downstairs.

Scheuffele likes to say she has fine, fun and functional art. And best of all, it’s all made by America’s own talented artists.

Revolution Gallery and Gifts is behind Flat Iron Grill in Gilman Village. Visit revolutiongallery.com or laurascheuffele.com for more information.

Whimsical handmade birdhouses line the staircase leading to the second level of Revolution Gallery and Gifts.

William Scheuffele, Laura’s husband, acquired this 1902 parlor stove at an auction. It’s in perfect condition and it does work.