The Epiphany & Co., a new art gallery and gift shop to be located in the historic International Order of Odd Fellows Building in downtown North Bend, at top, was in the midst of renovation in October. The gallery is scheduled to open on Jan. 6. A spiral staircase, designed to replicate a staircase in the movie “Sunset Boulevard,” is shown under construction. - World Photo by Madeline Steege

A trip to the art gallery and gift shop, Epiphany & Co. in North Bend, will be like a jaunt into an American film noir classic like “Sunset Boulevard,” according to new business owner Brenda Sund.

In fact, at the rear of the store, located in the historic International Order of Odd Fellows Building, 1989 Sherman Ave., is a winding staircase designed with the film in mind. Contractors are building the staircase from a description Sund gave them of a movie scene in which Gloria Swanson eerily descended the spiral steps saying the infamous quote, “I’m ready for my close-up Mr. DeMille.”

The idea for the name was actually an epiphany, but also came from her love of the movie, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” Sund said.

“You kind of stumble down a path and trip and go ‘aha,’” Sund said of her revelation of the name. “It’s just an ‘aha’ moment, and it clicks.”

Epiphany & Co. will feature an art-deco theme, with a projector playing old Hollywood movies. Stills will hang on the walls from movies like, “Funny Face,” “The Apartment,” “North by Northwest” and “Citizen Kane.”

Sund said she plans on keeping beverages available for customers on the lower balcony, which has a view of the bay.

“It’s not really a coffee shop, but I kind of wanted an intimate feel like that,” Sund said.

But mainly, the 1,900-square-foot downstairs area will show off local art.

“A lot of people feel like they have to go to Portland to see original art,” Sund said.

Last month, at the business’ first Artwalk, which is held in downtown North Bend the second Thursday of each month, Epiphany displayed the work of Janne La Valle, a resident of Lakeside whose artwork includes oil and acrylic paintings, murals, collages and graphite pencil drawings.

The feature presentation was of Billie Jean Siler’s Crazy Lady Creations — fabric art that includes slipcovers for furniture, pillows, handbags and hats.

“It’s one of those cottage industries that come out of, ‘You know, you should do this for a living,’” Coos Bay resident Siler said.

Siler’s spot will be at the top of the staircase once Epiphany & Co. opens.

The gallery/gift shop’s second Artwalk was on Dec. 13. The work of local photographer Jack Richards was featured, and Siler was there again to sell her creations.

Sund may feature her own artwork someday, although she said she’s not quite ready for that.

“They say, ‘Don’t make art your business,’” she said.

Her love for art made Sund think of the art gallery part of the business, but “being a shopper” led her to include a gift shop.

When asked what types of gifts will be featured at Epiphany & Co., Sund said, “Let’s just use the ‘epiphany’ line of jewelry. When it’s revealed to me, it will be revealed to you. Whatever I think will be cool.”

But the gallery and gift shop are just a portion of Sund’s vision. Upstairs in the 84-year-old building is a 3,000-square-foot ballroom, where original chandeliers still are decorated with the Odd Fellows’ three links that mean faith, love and trust. At one time the ballroom was used for IOOF events, dance recitals and card parties. Next door to the ballroom is where the staging area and robe room were located.

Most of the time the ballroom is empty, but Sund would like to change that. The smooth wooden floor is great for dancing and already the South Coast Chapter of the USA Dance Association rehearses there.

“When they’re dancing, as the lights go up and the sun goes down, you say, ‘Wow. This is what happened,’” Sund said.

Her big dream is to add an elevator.

“My dream is to make it a community space, but it won’t accommodate people who have difficulty walking up stairs,” Sund said.

She is hoping to attract those who teach tai chi, yoga or other dance groups that may need a facility.

She also is looking for emerging artists who would like to display their artwork in the gallery.

“People who need a break in this town,” Sund said.

The 41-year-old Sund grew up in North Bend. She graduated from North Bend High School and the University of Oregon in Eugene before moving to the California Bay Area for 13 years, where she worked in psychiatric research at Stanford University.

In 2001, she returned to her roots to be close to her family. She considered opening Epiphany & Co. in other parts of Oregon before settling on North Bend, which she hopes one day will be a bustling area for locals and tourists.

“This year I chose North Bend over Springfield because I always kind of wondered why it couldn’t happen here,” Sund said.

Epiphany & Co. was originally scheduled to open on Dec. 1, but since Sund wanted it to be perfect for the opening she rescheduled it for Jan. 6, fittingly, (although it is not affiliated with religion) on the day of the Christian holiday, the Feast of Epiphany.

For more information, those interested can call Sund at (541) 232-9820.