Thai Town Gateway

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Thai Community Development Center
Aponsi - Thai Angel Statue
2006

Project Area: East Hollywood/Beverly-Normandie
Project: Thai Town Gateway
Project Location: East and West Entrances to Thai Town on Hollywood Boulevard near Western Avenue
Project Type: CRA/LA Initiated

Description:

These bronze Angel sculptures, also known as “ Aponsi,” represent the mythical half-woman, half-lion creatures of the legendary Ramayana tales. Traditionally, they are believed to be protectors and safeguard against harm. In their current locations on Hollywood Boulevard they stand as the symbolic guardians of the Thai Town corridor, while also representing the cultural diversity that exists in Los Angeles. This project was initiated by the Thai Community Development Center with funding from the CRA/LA in association with the Department of Public Works' Neighborhood Matching Fund.

Artist Profile

The Thai Community Development Center (Thai CDC) was founded in April 1994 on the idea that all people have the basic right to a decent standard of living and quality of life. In comparison to other Asian Pacific ethnic groups in the Los Angeles area, the Thai community is considered a rapidly growing community with unmet needs. In the Thai community, people are living in substandard housing and lack access to basic health services, education, and quality employment. The Thai CDC’s mission is to advance the social and economic well-being of low and moderate income Thais and other ethnic communities in the greater Los Angeles area through a comprehensive community development strategy that includes affordable housing, access to healthcare, promotion of small businesses, neighborhood empowerment, and social enterprises.