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.