May 8, 2025

STAND – Celebrating the Life & Art of Bob Volke

Event Brings Together Community for Night of Art & Mental Health

Thank you to everyone who joined Cascadia Health and the Volke family for STAND, a benefit celebrating the life, art, and mental health journey of Bob Volke. 

The impact Bob had on those around him, through his dynamic personality as well as his art, was evident in the stories told and the overall spirit of the evening. 

Bob’s Story

Bob’s journey into art and healing began in the early 2000s. A former bakery truck driver, Bob began experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia in his early 40s, but the diagnosis wouldn’t become clear until he was arrested following an episode that put him under the supervision of the state’s Psychiatric Security Review Board. 

Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the general population, with common symptoms being hallucinations, such as hearing voices that other people don’t hear. The voices are often negative and become distressing when repeated over and over. 

Once diagnosed, Bob began intense therapy at Cascadia Health. With counseling and medication, he slowly started rebuilding his life. 

Through an art therapy program, Bob found focus, and over time his artistic proficiency quickly grew as he developed his own unique style. His paintings were occasionally whimsical, often haunting, and always insightful.  

A chance encounter with a local art gallery owner, Gary Lawrence, soon had Bob’s newfound career as an artist taking flight. Bob was featured at several Portland art galleries and was featured in The Oregonian. 

Art therapy & finding a sense of ‘focus’

Cascadia offers a lot of support to individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia as well as multiple other diagnoses. “Art therapy can be a really helpful and important part of treating schizophrenia,” said Neil Falk, MD, Associate Medical Director for Cascadia Health. “Art can be an important way to help get out what a person is going through.” 

“Painting gave him focus,” said David Volke, Bob’s brother. “He told me that when he was painting, it muffled the voices in his head because he was focusing on this one piece of canvas in front of him.” 

Through mental health treatment and the support of family and friends, Bob’s ability to stand in strength (despite his diagnosis of schizophrenia) is a testament to the power of community and the positive change that comes when mental wellbeing is prioritized and celebrated. 

Thank you to the Volke family for sharing Bob’s art and story with the world! 

Thank you to Joanna Lee (music), KEEN Footwear (venue), Whole Foods (catering), Apolloni Vinyards (wine), Zoiglhaus Brewing Company and Cerveceria Norte (beer), and the many staff and volunteers for helping make this evening so special!