Artist Olivia Steele brings neon messages of light and hope to second annual Aspen Snow Ball

Contemporary light artist Olivia Steele believes in the power of words.

“Words and thoughts can cast spells; they can have a very profound impact,” she said. “When I was going through crazy times, I found healing, inspiration, and strength in punctuated phrases. I realized we are all going through something at some point in our lives, so there are a lot of people that can use these reminders.”

It’s a signature of her work as evidenced by her collection of neon signage that is formed by hand, filled with glass, and emblazoned with phrases like “Know Thyself,” “Future Memories,” and “Faux Real.”

“It’s really interesting to harness the power of this noble neon gas and then combine it with these short but profound handwritten truisms, she said. “I think that they open portals in your mind. That’s what I strive for, and what I love in life is art that makes you feel something and makes you think.”

This is not her first time in Aspen. The artist – whose primary studio is in Berlin but also calls Mexico City and Los Angeles home – brought her “Public Display of Awareness” to the Roaring Fork Valley last year.

“The project takes what looks like a typical construction or fluorescent metal road signs, and I put messages of awareness on them, and we put up 10 different signs around town and on some hiking trails. So I’m happy to return,” she said.

On Saturday, attendees of Children’s Oncology Support Fund’s (COSF) second annual Aspen Snowball will have a chance to bid on some of Steele’s artwork, with 50% of the proceeds going to COSF’s mission to fund the development, research, and programs of less toxic therapies for pediatric cancer patients across the nation. Featured works of her art will be integrated into the events creating immersion and highlighting her artistic expression.

COSF’s cause is one that she said hits close to home and that she is deeply compelled to support.

“My mom recently died of cancer,” she said. “And while her case wasn’t pediatric cancer, cancer (in general) is something that affects one-in-three individuals. Pediatric cancer is often something that goes under the radar. So bringing more awareness to pediatric cancer and, most importantly, the lesser toxic treatments for these young, fragile bodies, is important. Anything that I can do to help bring more funds, research, and financial support to families and kids suffering, I’m totally on board with.”

The most significant piece of work Steele’s work that will be auctioned off alongside 10 other artworks at the Aspen Snow Ball is neon signage that reads “Am I Dreaming?” She said she chose to donate this particular installation, which she created in 2022 and features her handwriting, because of the important message of hope behind it.

“I chose this for COSF because what if there was a cure for cancer and we were able to help all these families and there were readily available nontoxic or less toxic alternative treatments for these kids? That would be a dream,” she said. “So in a world where everything is possible, I like to imagine if that was the reality, which I believe one day it will be.”

The Aspen Snow Ball, hosted by television personality Giuliana Rancic, will honor Rachel Zoe with the Community Leadership Award and feature performances by Tove Lo, Nile Rodgers, and Chic, as well as an after-party performance by Blond:ish. The gala will benefit the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (CCBD) at Children’s Hospital Colorado by establishing a new endowed fund for the CCBD’s Wellness Program. Last year’s gala raised over $2.5 million.

To learn more about COSF’s mission and the second Annual Aspen Snow Ball on Feb. 3, visit aspensnowball.com/about. 

Sarah Girgis is the Publisher for The Aspen Times. She can be reached at 970-429-9151 or sgirgis@aspentimes.com.