Yeiser Art Center (YAC), a non-profit corporation with 501(c)(3) status, was established in 1957 as the Paducah Art Guild for the purpose of promoting the appreciation of the visual arts and for their creation. It started as a small volunteer organization with founding members Mary Yeiser, Ginny Black, and Bob Evans leading the way. Today, YAC has a permanent exhibition space that hosts several shows annually and a permanent collection of over 300 works. The center offers visual art based programming including educational classes for both children and adults, public gallery talks, and artist lectures. We have grown to employ a full-time executive director as well as two employees. YAC also has a supporting membership program and many loyal and terrific volunteers.

As a strong voice for the visual arts in our community, YAC continues to promote the visual arts by presenting dynamic exhibitions and programs. The exhibitions are chosen to showcase a diverse range of art forms, styles, and techniques with work ranging from traditional to contemporary. The center provides the regional community the opportunity to view original artworks, provides a forum for artists, and serves as an educational resource for schools, colleges, and community organizations. Through our exhibitions and programs, YAC also provides art experiences for children while advocating the importance of a good visual arts education in our local schools. We work to help interpret the visual arts to the region by promoting established and emerging, regional, and national artists.

YAC strives to be a good community partner. We foster collaborative projects where possible, seeking to secure funds and contribute time and expertise to support other community arts projects. The center serves as a cultural attraction in Paducah’s historic downtown district, which adds to the city’s overall strength and competitiveness as a tourist destination. YAC strives to carry out our original mission and to further continue the development and appreciation of the visual arts by operating as a non-profit visual arts organization that serves adults and children of all ages throughout the region without regard to race, color, religion, ethnic origin, sex, or disability.

• Will operate as a non-profit visual arts organization that serves adults and children of all ages throughout the region (Western Kentucky, Southern Illinois, and Southeast Missouri) without regard to race, color, religion, ethnic origin, sex, or disability.
• Will promote and present the visual arts through exhibitions, programs, and workshops.
• Will strive to promote and initiate art programs and experiences for children while advocating the importance of a strong visual arts education in our schools.
• Will help interpret the visual arts to the regional community.
• Will promote both established and emerging artists, as well as regional and national artists through exhibits and presentations.
• Will maintain a Permanent Collection of art for exhibitions and educational purposes for use by the Center and other groups, individuals, and venues.
• Will promote our mission by being a good community partner, and by working to secure funds and contributing time and expertise to support the visual arts in our community.
• Will serve as a cultural attraction and asset to the community by working with local, regional, and state agencies as needed.