Dakota Lane’s CANDYLAND

CandyLand

Visual Memoir Exhibition Opens at The Lace Mill

KINGSTON, NY — This August, Hudson Valley multimedia artist and NY Times journalist Dakota Lane debuts CandyLand, an immersive visual memoir that transforms childhood trauma into a vibrant, trauma-informed exhibition. Through neon artwork, personal artifacts, interactive installations, and a community paper forest of healing intentions, the exhibition invites reflection, resilience, and collective healing while intentionally avoiding graphic or triggering content.

Raised in the 1960s counterculture of Woodstock and San Francisco, Lane became a legally emancipated minor at age 14 after a childhood marked by exploitation and isolation. She attended an alternative music-based school connected to figures including Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia, Bill Graham, and Angela Davis, where teachers used drugs with students. Eighty of her classmates later died in the Jonestown tragedy led by cult leader Jim Jones. Lane draws from this complex history to create a space for healing and connection.

By transforming profound isolation into creative expression, Lane went on to author young adult books and produce films for The New York Times.

“My childhood was unusual, but the cycles of exploitation, violence, and isolation are heartbreakingly common,” says Lane. “I hope this work encourages people to share their own stories and inspires communities to interrupt cycles of suffering and heal together.”

Visitors are invited to become part of the exhibition by adding personal healing intentions to a growing paper forest. Community members may also contribute leaves through local partners including Broadway Bubble and FØLK Refillery. Opening week features a free workshop, 50 Ways to Tell Your Story, exploring trauma-informed self-expression through creative practice.

A longtime trauma-informed facilitator, Lane has worked throughout the Hudson Valley with adults in recovery, marginalized communities, seniors, and youth, using art to foster resilience. The exhibition also includes anonymous messages of hope and resilience created by mentored youth participants.

Exhibition Details

Location: The Lace Mill, 165 Cornell St., Kingston, NY 12401
Dates: August 1–29
Opening Reception: Saturday, August 1, 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Free Workshop: 50 Ways to Tell Your Story — Wednesday, August 5, 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Gallery Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 1:00–4:00 p.m., or by appointment
Admission: Free

The exhibition runs concurrently with Remembrance, a solo exhibition by George J. Habernig in an adjacent Lace Mill gallery.

To contribute a healing leaf, register for the free workshop, or support exhibition materials, visit https://gofund.me/fa907f890 or message @hudsonvalleyscene on Instagram.

About the Artist

Dakota Lane is a Hudson Valley-based multimedia artist, journalist, author, and The New York Times film producer. A dedicated trauma-informed workshop leader, Lane works extensively with adults in recovery, seniors, and youth to build resilience through storytelling and art.

Media Contact

Dakota Lane
makeaworld@gmail.com
dakotalane.org
Instagram: @hudsonvalleyscene