First Lady Promotes Arts At Met's New American Wing
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First Lady Michelle Obama spent some time in the city yesterday to help reopen the renovated American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The first lady said President Barack Obama is a firm supporter of the arts, having included millions of dollars in federal funding as part of his stimulus package.
Michelle Obama said art has a special place in the life of all Americans.
"The arts are not just a nice thing to have or to do if there's free time or if one can afford it," said Michelle Obama. "Rather, paintings and poetry, music and fashion design and dialogue, they all define who we are as a people and provide an account of our history for the next generation."
The first lady said she and the president are especially committed to making art more accessible to children.
Later in the night, she also attended The American Ballet Theatre's spring gala at the Metropolitan Opera House.