About ena strand
ena strand is Skagen’s new contemporary art gallery.
We are an artist run gallery showing works by local and national artists, who concern themselves with existence – especially in relation to nature. If the artists themselves aren’t from our local area or currently living here, their work reflects aspects of existence that we feel resonate with our corner of the earth. ena strand was created through a desire to show that the art scene is not only a part of skagen’s heritage but a vibrant part of life here today.
”ena strand is a passion project, where art and nature are the driving forces. By immersing ourselves in what inspires us, it is our hope that we can inspire others to do the same.
Emma Mercedes RiisFounder and artist
The story of ena strand
ena strand is based on a dream and a cherished past.
The vision is clear — a synergy of sustainability, art and nature at our founder’s childhood home, an organic farm in the heart of Northern Denmark.
Great women have inspired us in the creation of ena strand. Two noteworthy being Hilma af Klint and Karen Blixen. Despite their overall different creative paths, a common theme was the appreciation of the natural world. This philosophy is at the heart of at ena strand.
The name refers to the past. Our founder, Emma Mercedes Riis, grew up with two brave, independent grandmothers. Johnna Ena Gerda Riis and Sonja Strand. One was a caring, loving ‘farmor’ who loved to bake, had a passion for flowers and who – secretly – had a talent for painting aquarelle. The other, ‘mormor’, was a fashionable businesswoman, always ready with a snappy comment, while running a vibrant bar in the infamous Jomfru Ane Gade.
Ena is an English name, the original meaning of the name being “little fire”. Strand in Danish, means beach. Beaches are typically full of sand, which is the main component of glass when exposed to heat.
Both women has had a huge impact on our founder, and both were inspirational in their own way. Together they are a fundamental part of ena strand, both in the story and in the heart and values of the company.
