Serpent Mound: Observations of the Seen, the Unseen

June 4 - 27, 2026

Studio Kroner presents renowned local artist Ken Landon Buck and his exhibition Serpent Mound: Observations of the Seen, the Unseen, the Mystical, and the Reverent—a body of work shaped by years of return visits to one of Ohio’s most sacred landscapes.

Over a three-year period, Ken repeatedly returned to Serpent Mound during equinoxes, solstices, and seasonal gatherings, quietly observing Indigenous ceremonies marked by prayer, song, movement, and communal ritual. Initially documenting these moments for personal reflection, Buck came to recognize a deeper artistic and spiritual calling within the images he captured.

The exhibition features approximately 30 works in pastel, watercolor, and gouache that translate these fleeting encounters into richly felt compositions. Rather than literal documentation, Buck’s works reflect an attentive, reverent witnessing—honoring the spiritual power of place, the presence of the unseen, and the enduring traditions tied to this ancient landscape. Together, the paintings invite viewers into a space of contemplation, where gesture, color, and atmosphere convey a sense of reverence and connection that extends beyond the visible.

Opening Reception

Thursday, October 30, 2025

6-9 pm

Artist Talk

Saturday, November 8, 2025

1-2 pm

Closing Reception

Saturday, November 29, 2025

1-4 pm

Bio

Ken Landon Buck is a Master Pastelist with signature status in the Pastel Society of America, Southeastern Pastel Society, and Pastel Artists of Oregon. He has Signature status in the National Watercolor Society, Watercolor Society of America, Kentucky Watercolor Society, and the Georgia Watercolor Society.

His work appears in the Encyclopedia of Living Artists in America, Creative Watercolor, the Pastel Journal. Manifest: the Nude 2, and “Ichimal no E” magazine in Japan. One of his works was selected to be in a pastel show for the Butler Museum of Art, as well as for the Pastel Journal’s Top 100 artists for 2020.

Ken’s paintings are in numerous private and corporate collections such as; Cincinnati Financial Corporation, Brown Forman, Baker Hunt Foundation, Yeiser Art Center, Nassua Community College and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

He currently is teaching multiple classes at Baker Hunt, and shows regularly at ARTclectic Artr Gallery.

Artist Statement

Serpent Mound: Observations of the Seen, the Unseen, the Mystical and the Reverence.

Several years ago, on the Spring Equinox, I went to Serpent Mound to do my yearly trek and spiritual tune-up. When I got there I was happy to find that other groups of people were also feeling the call to pray, observe and do their own personal ceremonies as well. I saw various people brightly dressed, with their drums, rattles, and various tools of expression. I observed quietly for a bit focusing on my own feelings and desires for earthly communion until I began to be spiritually moved by the indigenous people chanting, singing and sounding their instruments.

With only a cell phone to capture the fleeting moments of spontaneity, I got in line walking the Serpent’s pathway with them. I felt their love and dedication as I played the unobtrusive observer, and began clicking away. I had intended just to record the day for my own personal remembrance, but later , while going through my images, I saw I had something more.

I began to paint and draw what I felt was a passionate calling. Several times I was drawn back for the Summer and Fall ceremonies, and again, recorded what I was moved by. Thus began a three year painting project. I hope that people will feel what I do looking at the collective works for this show.