Jeff Krolick, Clinical Director, Options for Southern Oregon

Options for Southern Oregon has served members of our area with mental health issues since 1981. Today there are many programs available for the 3,000 members of our community who require psychosocial treatment and rehabilitation. Among the amazing staff members who make life better for many in need, Jeff Krolick, Clinical Director, stands out.Jeff Krolick has been involved with Options for Southern Oregon since 1993, and in the mental health field for twenty-one years with a masters degree in mental health. He moved to Southern Oregon with his family in 1992 when his wife had an unexpected job offer in Ashland. Jeff was a stay-at-home dad for one year until taking on the position at Options for Southern Oregon and has put in many years to make the organization what it is today.

Back then, Options was a very small organization which offered day treatment for adults with severe mental health disabilities along with a small deli and bakery. Soon the organization grew and grants were earned to expand research and new treatment options for the ever-growing need in our community. More recently a merger with Josephine County mental health agencies changed the organization for the better.

With a staff change from thirty-five members, Options for Southern Oregon grew to an amazing 140 member team. This change meant that more people could be served and more lives changed. With over 3,000 Southern Oregon residents served today, Jeff Krolick still finds time to inspire a different crowd. He has shared his photography with the public for four years, but this passion is even older than his love of the mental health field. His masters degree in art speaks volumes for his love of jewelry making, welding, sculpting, and his main passion: photography. Jeff Krolick’s thirty plus years has taught him very much and has guided him to his favorite pastime.

“I have an eye for an intimate piece of landscape,” quotes Jeff. The intricate details of his work create a challenge for the eye. Jeff Krolick’s atypical style has led his work to be featured in many galleries across the United States. Locally, his work is displayed at Ashland’s Davis and Cline Gallery. Other locations include galleries in New York City, Raleigh, Boston, and Chattanooga to name a few. In 2008, he will visit various visual arts centers to keep his goal of active exhibition. His work is also sold at these locations, and he hopes for many more shows.

The photograph is just the beginning, as the final work is displayed enlarged and a creative twist is given. Rather than the typical frame where the photo is under glass, Jeff Krolick feels the photo should be reachable. With the photo mounted on aluminum and sprayed with a lacquer finish, the non-reflective finish makes the picture more accessible and has a tangible feel. The finish also provides a protective barrier from moisture and dust and is very durable.

Jeff Krolick is a very amazing person with many talents. Not only does he serve as a leading mental health professional in our area, offering a hand to thousands of residents in need, his art inspires many and his work will continue to be featured in galleries across the United States. If you would like to know more about Options for Southern Oregon, visit www.optionsonline.org. To see more of Jeff’s work and other local artists, please go to www.davisandcline.com.

Select images from Jeff Krolick’s portfolio