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

Photographer Katie Settel joins us for a talk on her exhibit "(un)Forgotten” - sharing the deeply personal story of her brother’s time at the Mansfield Training School in Mansfield, CT. in the 1950s. The Mansfield Training School and Hospital was a 350-acre state institution for people with developmental disabilities and epilepsy in Mansfield, Connecticut. 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 in the 1990s, Katie returned to the campus to better understand her brother Andy's life, knowing he could never tell me about it himself. Born blind and nonverbal, with profound 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 our family's story inspires conversations that replace silence with understanding.

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 entry into social documentary photography, focusing on The Mansfield Training School, a former psychiatric institution. Through a blend of vulnerability and clarity, she shed light on those often overlooked, garnering national attention from outlets like the Associated Press and MSN.

With over 15 years in the field, Katie currently is the house photographer for Bridgeport’s acclaimed Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater. Entering her fifth season, she has captured hundreds of concerts, showcasing her unique perspective on live music.

When she’s not behind the lens at live events, Katie runs her own photography studio, specializing in events, portraits, and family sessions. Her focus remains on capturing authentic moments in between the poses, ensuring every session tells a genuine story.