Behind the Lens with Award-winning Rural Photographer Tim Schroll

Join us for a special behind-the-scenes look at the creative process behind Forgottonia – An Intimate Portrait of Rural America. In this educational session, award-winning rural photographer Tim Schroll will be joined by nationally recognized singer-songwriter Chris Vallillo to share how their collaborative artistry brings this powerful multimedia performance to life.

Blending historically grounded narratives, personal storytelling, evocative black-and-white photography, and original music, Forgottonia captures the spirit and slow transformation of rural Illinois. Schroll will share the inspiration, research, and visual artistry behind his work, while Vallillo offers a sneak peek into the musical elements that elevate the performance—giving attendees a rare glimpse into how music and imagery interact to evoke emotion, memory, and meaning.

Together, they’ll discuss the alchemy that occurs when Chris’s music meets Tim’s photography, and how that intersection becomes an act of cultural preservation and artistic expression. Whether you're a fan of photography, music, history, or storytelling, this session will invite you to engage more deeply with themes of memory, place, and belonging at the center of Forgottonia.

This event is free and open to the public.

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Co-hosted with: Student Engagement & Events

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