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Angels On the Streets

© Lynette

Zurich, Switzerland began an urban fancy during the summer of 1998 by placing reinforced ceramic cows throughout the area. Livestock placed about the landscape might be misunderstood as a pride inspiring representation of Swiss economic industry. The cows, however, were organized by city shopkeepers to generate retail and arts in their downtown. The entire invasion of bovine stirred up positive and amusing enthusiasm and became a major success in the attractive city.

North American cities like Chicago, Toronto, Orlando, Kentucky and Cincinnati followed with painted cows, moose, lizards, horses and pigs, achieving a great amount of success, as hoped. Uniting neighborhoods and stimulating public pride with a thing as universal and loved as art stemmed from these unique works.

Fashioning itself after the art project in Switzerland, Los Angeles is now in various stages of releasing its own unifying tool - works that will celebrate the essence of diversity. The project is called A Community of Angels: Giving Kids A Chance to Soar. In the nature of goodwill The Los Angeles Community of Angels Project has and continues to release 6ft. fiberglass sculptures of angels to be placed in areas of cultural significance in and outside of Los Angeles city. Project proceeds will benefit two organizations that aid at-risk children, the Volunteers of America - Los Angeles and the Catholic Big Brothers.

Local, emerging and established regional talent were either commissioned by corporate and not-for-profit sponsors or approved through an application process. The concept for the angel was created by area art supporters and artist, Tony Sheets, created the final, approved design. All 400 Angels were manufactured in Los Angeles and were painted in downtown at The Angel Studio and Store on 901 7th Street (at the corner of 7th and Figueroa Streets). The public is welcomed to walk the studio and see artists at work.

With the success of Chicago’s 1999 $200 million grossing project, Los Angeles, The City of Angels is hoping for as much success. Not only will the project bring communities together, provide fun and entertainment and showcase artists, but it will also enhance the economy and raise money for the mentioned Los Angeles programs.

Area residents interested in project involvement can contact: A Community of Angels 3600 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1500 Los Angeles, CA 90010 (213) 251-7634 mail@acommunityofangels.com.

Angelenos walking, riding, driving, biking and busing about the city have shown great appreciation and regard when seeing the themed angels placed throughout. In business districts, hospitals, restaurants and street corners, these works are representations of a city uniting.

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