A Home for the Arts
This holiday season, we're imagining what's possible for the arts in Western Kentucky. You can help strengthen our mission, contribute to a community sculpture on display through the end of the year, and help shape our vision for the future as we celebrate 70 years of bringing the arts to Paducah.
Yeiser Art Center invites you to the opening reception of Under the Bonnet: The Art of British Motors on Friday, October 16, from 5–7 p.m. The exhibition celebrates the intersection of automotive design, craftsmanship, and visual art, bringing the world of British motors into the gallery.
The exhibition will remain on view through November 12, when Yeiser Art Center will host a special closing-night auction from 5–7 p.m. The auction will feature a celebrated painting by Jerry Watson, displayed throughout the exhibition, alongside works by local artists.
Bidding for the Jerry Watson painting and other auction works will open at 5:30 p.m. and close at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to experience the exhibition, support regional artists, and take part in this special evening at Yeiser Art Center.
Event Details
Exhibition Opening Reception: Friday, October 16, 5–7 p.m.
Exhibition Dates: October 16–November 12, 2026
Closing-Night Auction: Thursday, November 12, 5–7 p.m.
Auction Bidding: 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Location: Yeiser Art Center, Paducah, Kentucky
Why Is There a Giant Red Yak at 100 Broadway?
If you’ve strolled down Broadway in downtown Paducah, you’ve probably noticed a delightful surprise: the bright red yak that greets visitors at the front door of the Yeiser Art Center (YAC). It’s a question we hear often—Why a yak? And why here?
The story begins with longtime Paducah visionaries Johanna and Allan Rhodes, founders of Etcetera and dedicated champions of the arts. During Johanna’s time as Yeiser president, she sparked a bold branding idea that captured the organization’s creative energy: transforming “Yeiser Art Center” into the playful acronym YAK.
Inspired by that vision, the Rhodes commissioned artist Teresa Perry to sculpt the now‑famous yak, with Mark Fogleberg adding a specialized foam surface and its unforgettable red finish. Set on a wheeled platform, the yak rolls easily in and out of the gallery—greeting guests, delighting families, and becoming one of Paducah’s most photographed residents.
Today, the Red Yak is more than a mascot; it’s a symbol of YAC’s spirit—joyful, bold, welcoming, and unmistakably creative. We are deeply grateful to Johanna and Allan Rhodes, whose imagination and generosity gave YAC a signature icon that continues to brighten our doorstep and our community.
Thank You for Making 2026 a Year of Possibilities!
As we reflect on this past year, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible support that made 2025 such a success. Your generosity—through contributions, volunteer time, and in-kind gifts—has strengthened Yeiser Arts Center’s mission to inspire creativity and connect our community through the arts.
Because of you, we were able to present engaging exhibitions, host educational programs, and create spaces where art and community thrive. Every donation, every hour volunteered, and every resource shared has made a meaningful impact.
From all of us at Yeiser Arts Center, thank you for believing in the power of the arts. We look forward to continuing this journey together in 2026!
Our Legacy
For nearly 70 years, the Yeiser Art Center has been at the heart of Paducah’s thriving art community. Our mission is simple: to further the development and appreciation of visual arts within our local community and throughout the region, by providing exhibitions and educational opportunities that help nurture the creative spirit in all of us.
Discover our journey and join us in shaping the future of art in out city. Learn more