Finding the perfect piece of art can tie almost any room together. Sometimes, it can also break the bank.

But Linda Pierre, who recently opened The Back Door Gallery on Main Street, says art doesn't have to be pricey.

"I don't see why art needs to be elitist," said Pierre, a Mattapoisett resident. "Forget the stuff and make art."

By doing her own matting and framing, Pierre is able to keep the prices of her artwork in the range of $10 to $40.

Tucked into a corner of a building that used to house medical offices, Pierre opened the gallery after painting in the privacy of her home for more than 20 years.

The cozy space has freshly-shellacked walls and a view of the Agawam River.

Pierre worked as a teacher after graduating from Boston University's School of Education, and then raised three children. Pierre says that when she was entering college and the job market, her gender severely limited her professional options.

"There weren't a lot of choices for women," Pierre remembers. "You could be a teacher, a secretary, or a nurse."

But in the 1980s, Pierre took classes at Boston Architectural College and explored her artistic ability.

"I just always liked art," Pierre said. "I find it very relaxing and stimulating."

Most of Pierre's works are oil on canvas, but she also does collage and charcoal pieces. She says she much prefers drawing people, rather than landscapes.

Currently, everything in The Back Door Gallery is Pierre's work, but she says, "eventually I'll take consignments."

The Back Door Gallery is located at 137 Rear Main Street, just before the Narrows Bridge. Enter through the door closest to Merchants Way.