A long, ankle-length red dress with three-quarter sleeves, covered in shiny sequins arranged in vertical lines, displayed against a plain gray background. — One floor length red dress with sequins and a red chiffon scarf, worn by Miss Velma, co-leader of the Universal World Church, dress created by an unknown congregation member of the Universal World Church in Los Angeles, for the televised appearances, 1970s. Gift of Jodi Wille. Autry Museum; 2021.13.6

Miss Velma in the City of Angels

Opening March 21, 2026

Irene Helen Jones Parks Gallery of Art

About the Exhibition

This new installation—situated within the "Religion and Ritual" section of the ongoing Art of the West exhibition—features the preacher and outsider artist Miss Velma. The exhibition will display a custom-made dress designed for and worn by Miss Velma, who was a co-founder of the Universal World Church in Los Angeles. Famous for her theatrical sermons that captured the imagination, Miss Velma is an example in a long line of charismatic individuals with media-savvy showmanship who have been a hallmark of LA’s new religious movements.

Highlights

A floor-length, shimmering red dress with sequins and a sheer red overlay, displayed against a plain gray background. The dress features long sleeves and a flowing, elegant design. — One floor length red dress with sequins and a red chiffon scarf, worn by Miss Velma, co-leader of the Universal World Church, dress created by an unknown congregation member of the Universal World Church in Los Angeles, for the televised appearances, 1970s. Gift of Jodi Wille. Autry Museum; 2021.13.6

Land Acknowledgment

The Autry Museum of the American West acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (the Los Angeles basin and So. Channel Islands). We recognize that the Autry Museum and its campuses are located on the traditional lands of Gabrielino/Tongva peoples and we pay our respects to the Honuukvetam (Ancestors), ‘Ahiihirom (Elders) and ‘Eyoohiinkem (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.

Autry Museum of the American West

4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA 90027-1462
In Griffith Park across from the Los Angeles Zoo.
Map and Directions

Free parking for Autry visitors.

MUSEUM AND STORE HOURS
Tuesday–Friday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

DINING
Food Trucks are available on select days, contact us for details at 323.495.4252.
The cafe is temporarily closed until further notice.