BRUNSWICK – Artist Janet Glatz, a new Durham resident, will open what she descries as a unique art gallery on May 1 in Brunswick.

The Gallery at 11 Pleasant, located just off the intersection of Maine and Pleasant streets, will feature the work of a rotating selection of painters, sculptors, jewelers and carvers, as well as the realistic paintings of Glatz herself. Glatz is curator and director of this “alternative” gallery, which will rent space to artists and artisans on a rotational schedule.

All work will be juried. In addition to the gallery itself, the town’s 2nd Friday Art Walks are part of 11 Pleasant’s marketing plan, with rental periods designed to incorporate the event. Glatz will work with four staffers at the gallery, which will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 9 a.m. 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Glatz, 68, specializes in natural realism, and has sold work throughout the U.S. She is a member of several art alliances, and her work has won multiple awards. She also teaches. Last week, she talked about her new venture with the Tri-Town Weekly.

Q: What will make your new gallery a unique experience for the art lover?

A: The Gallery at 11 Pleasant is unique to Maine as it is patterned after “galleries for hire” in Europe. Rather than charging exorbitant commission on sales (often 50 percent or more), galleries for hire like 11 Pleasant charge only an upfront leasing fee based on the amount of wall space desired. For instance, 15 linear feet by 9 feet high rents for $150 for a three-week period.

Q: How did you arrive at the concept of 15 linear feet of rental space?

A: Space availability runs from 15 linear feet to rental of the entire gallery for special occasions or shows. This process lends itself to a different experience for art lovers in that there will always be a fascinating variety of styles and media to enjoy. We have several glass showcases for 3-D art, as well. Shows remain up for three weeks at a time, with each show including one 2nd Friday Art Walk.

Q: How will the juried process work?

A: Quality standards remain paramount. All applicants must submit images and undergo the jury process before being accepted. Criteria for acceptance include a cohesive group of works; demonstration of adeptness with chosen medium; and a recognizable style.

Q: What will the arts walks entail?

A: 2nd Friday Art Walks have been a part of Brunswick downtown commerce for many years now. The Gallery at 11 Pleasant will join the many other galleries, shops, and pop-up artists’ displays in an effort to promote local arts and artisans. Some venues offer refreshments and music, as will 11 Pleasant. Hours for artwalks are 4-8 p.m.

Q: How is today’s art market changing?

A: Today’s art market is far different from that of say, 10 years ago. With the proliferation of online art galleries, private art websites and art auction sites, collectors are free to purchase art in an entirely new way, without the aid of traditional galleries and or art dealers. This has caused many privately owned galleries to go out of business, to cut back services such as framing works for the artists, and promotion. I predict that galleries for hire will become the norm throughout the U.S. in the next few years.

Janet Glatz, who lives in Durham, is opening an art gallery next month in Brunswick.