The Journey Behind (un)Forgotten: An Artist Talk with Photographer Katie Settel

About this event

Event Details Photographer Katie Settel takes the stage to discuss her exhibit (un)Forgotten, which shares the deeply personal story of her brother’s time at the Mansfield Training School in the 1950s. The Mansfield Training School and Hospital was a 350-acre state institution for people with developmental disabilities and epilepsy in Mansfield. Active from 1860 to 1993, it grew from early predecessor roots to house over 1,800 residents before closing amid a shift toward deinstitutionalization. After the Mansfield Training School closed, Katie returned to the campus to better understand her brother Andy's life. Born blind and nonverbal among other intellectual disabilities, Andy lived most of his childhood and adult life there. What began as a deeply personal search became a project that she couldn't walk away from. In this talk, she’ll share the unexpected journey behind (un)Forgotten and the many obstacles and doors that opened along the way. At the heart of this talk is a simple hope: that sharing her family's story inspires conversations that replace silence with understanding. About the Artist Best known for her stunning images of rock legends like the Foo Fighters, BB King, and Steven Tyler, Katie Settel possesses a keen eye for beauty in all its forms. This perspective shines through in her diverse body of work, which spans iconic musicians to poignant social issues, earning her international acclaim. Katie’s photography has been featured in prestigious publications such as Forbes and People, solidifying her reputation for capturing the moments that others often miss. Whether revitalizing her series (Un)forgotten or unveiling unexpected beauty in everyday life, her approach is consistent: connect emotionally, inspire authenticity, and reveal the unseen. She honed her craft at the Fashion Institute of Technology and the International Center of Photography before making her mark in the industry. Her groundbreaking installation (Un)forgotten marked her…

Description from westportlibrary.org