(March 9th, 2026 Los Angeles, CA) - From the twentieth century to today, Los Angeles has been a center of religion, where traditional faiths and new spiritual communities flourish side by side. 

The Autry’s jewel box gallery—situated within the religion and ritual section of the Art of the West exhibit located in the Irene Helen Jones Parks Gallery—offers an opportunity to feature Velma Jaggers, known as Miss Velma, who was co-leader of the Universal World Church founded in Los Angeles in 1951 and celebrate LA’s enduring love affair with new religions and charismatic preachers.

The exhibit will feature one of the dresses worn by Miss Velma during her sermons for the Universal World Church in the 1970s that are now part of the Autry Museum’s collection. These ornate and custom-made dresses were created to complement the theme of each week’s sermon. The exhibition was created in collaboration with Jodi Wille, storyteller and director of God Bless America: The Miss Velma Christmas Special (2001), the show also includes Media and graphics from the Universal World Church.

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