Welcome…

My beautiful life partner, Ellen Kubay Adkins, transitioned on October 6, 2025. I am honored to have shared roughly 60 years in her presence. She will be deeply missed by me and all those who had the opportunity to know her, to work with her, and to love her. What a ride. Take a look.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Sunday afternoon, May 17th, 2026, at the Vernet Ecological Center, Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387. Please note that this is a change from the previously posted date of May 24th.
A gathering will be held immediately following at 342 Orton Rd., Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387. Exact times yet to be determined.

Some time ago I wrote this poem for Ellen. It’s called “That Smile.” This picture captures it so well.

That smile.
Yes, that one,
lights up my world,
brings me joy,
brings me happiness.
When you wear it,
nothing is more beautiful,
nothing is more radiant.
My world stops for a moment…
and all is well.
― Ven Adkins

“Fine art is that in which the hand, the head, and the heart of man go together.
― John Muir

“Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art.”
― Leonardo da Vinci

“The world’s big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark.”
― John Ruskin