Tucked in the heart of Los Angeles’ historic district near Olvera Street, Nuestra Señora Reina de los Ángeles Church—affectionately known as La Placita—holds the distinction of being the city’s oldest Catholic church. 

During a conversation with the church’s pastor, Father Alberto, Slatoff was moved by a poignant observation: “It’s so sad that I have a church called Our Lady Queen of the Angels, but there are no angels sculpted on the building.”

Inspired by that sentiment, Slatoff was honored to create Angels for the historic adobe church—an architectural blend of Spanish Colonial and Mission Revival styles. His vision was to craft sculptures that not only honor the church’s namesake but also feel organically woven into its timeless design.