There's a new gallery coming to town that's offering shoppers the chance to purchase regional and environmentally-friendly goods this holiday season. 

The Unknown Artist Gallery, opening Thursday, Dec. 2, will offer painting, photography and handmade clothing. It will also offer jewelry, pottery, greeting cards, fired glass objects, soy and aromatherapy candles and more.

It's grand opening, called "Midnight Madness," will highlight the work of cutting-edge local artists. Owner Chanel Melendez, who is just 22-years-old and a student at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, said this gallery distinguishes itself from the others in town.

"The Unknown Artist Gallery will stand out in the neighborhood because there are plenty of downtown options for those seeking art depicting Bay-related objects—sailboats, crabs, the Naval Academy—that appeal to tourists," Melendez said. "Some of the galleries are different from that, and that's what The Unknown Artist is more similar to. Some of our artwork depicts nature, like butterflies, but some is really dark or abstract," she added.

Melendez said she picked up the keys to the Cathedral Street location back in October, went to furnishing and renovating the interior, and put out calls to local artists to climb on board. According to Melendez, the response was enthusiastic, and she has signed up scores of photographers, illustrators, and designers.

"All of the artists' offerings are really different. There is no shared theme among them. There is jewelry made from wire, glass, and recycled products, for example," Melendez said.

Among those artists is Ann Green, who is based in Annapolis and Baltimore and runs a small business.

Green said, "I create, design and paint a unique line of greeting cards. I call them 'Advocacy Greeting Cards' "  because they promote women's self-esteem and intimate health. Green said she is excited to be involved in the gallery's launch.

"I think it's phenomenal. The vision and tenacity of the new owner is admirable. The gallery gives a platform to the often over-looked and unique crafts as well as other art forms," Green said.

Serendipitously, Green said she "was about to place an ad in search of someone to collaborate with related to my diverse card line, and I saw [Melendez's] ad looking for artists."

Green said she signed up with the gallery, a valued opportunity in these tight economic times.

"With a number of businesses closing under the weight of the current recession, it is refreshing to see new businesses making a home in downtown Annapolis. It brings in revenue, it offers a place for artists and crafters who wouldn't otherwise have such a visible platform," Green said.

Photographer Joe Messenger is also one of the new artists whose work will be on display at the new gallery, "I am very excited; this is my first gallery I've ever been in."

Messenger said he's happy that a "local 'unknown artist' such as myself is a part of this."

Messenger specializes in photography and will be selling framed and unframed prints, as well as canvas prints. He said he's impressed with the new gallery and the concept behind it.

"I think this idea is so new and fresh. It will really be refreshing to the locals to be able to get something unique at such a good price," Messenger said.

In addition, Melendez said there will be "non-artsy" items for sale, including games and sports memorabilia.

The public is invited to attend the grand opening, which is kid and family friendly.

According to Melendez, kids will have the chance to take photos with Santa Claus from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Melendez also said toys will be collected for the Toys for Tots program.

Visitors will be treated to music and refreshments, and they will have the chance to meet many of the the artists whose work is available.

"We're giving away coupons for return visits, too," Melendez said.

The Unknown Artist Grand Opening: "Midnight Madness" is from 6:00 p.m. until midnight on Thursday, Dec. 2 at 99 Cathedral St. in Annapolis. Those attending are encouraged (but not required) to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots. For more information call 443-822-9342 or email the owner at chanel@the-unknownartist.com.