In a ceremony to be held at the White House today, Thursday, September 10th, President Barack Obama will present the 2015 National Medals of Arts.
The National Medal of Arts is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the United States government and is awarded by the President of the United States to individuals or groups who "...are deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth, support and availability of the arts in the United States."
The event will be live-streamed at WH.gov/Live at 3 pm/ET.
Per the White House, this year's winners are as follows:
John Baldessari for his contributions as a visual artist. His ambitious work combines photography, painting, and text to push the boundaries of image, making him one of the most influential conceptual artists of our time.
Ping Chong for his contributions as a theater director, choreographer, and video and installation artist. Mr. Chong's innovative performances explore race, history, technology, and art to challenge our understanding of humanity in the modern world.
Miriam Colon for her contributions as an actress. Ms. Colon has been a trailblazer in film, television, and theater, and helped open doors for generations of Hispanic actors.
The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation for supporting creative expression across the country. With generosity and a bold commitment to artistic risk, this foundation has helped artists, musicians, dancers, and actors share their talents, enriching the cultural life of our Nation.
Sally Field for her contributions as an actress and filmmaker. The dignity, empathy, and fearlessness of her performances have touched audiences around the world, and she has deployed those same qualities off-screen in her advocacy for women, LGBT rights, and public health.
Ann Hamilton for her contributions as a visual artist. Ms. Hamilton uses time as process and material, and her work demonstrates the importance of experiencing the arts first-hand in the digital age.
Stephen King for his contributions as an author. One of the most popular and prolific writers of our time, Mr. King combines his remarkable storytelling with his sharp analysis of human nature. For decades, his works of horror, suspense,
Science fiction, and fantasy have terrified and delighted audiences around the world.
Meredith Monk for her contributions as a composer, singer, and performer. Renowned for her groundbreaking vocal techniques, Ms. Monk has reimagined the instrument of voice with her innovative work.
George Shirley for his contributions as a tenor. The first African American tenor to sing in a leading role at the Metropolitan Opera, Mr. Shirley has captivated audiences for more than 50 years with his masterful performances. As a pioneer and as a teacher, Mr. Shirley has paved the way for generations of aspiring African American opera singers.
University Musical Society for presenting the performing arts to communities in Michigan. For over a century, the Society has brought world-class orchestras, dance ensembles, jazz performers, and theater companies to Michigan, while supporting the study and creation of new works.
Tobias Wolff for his contributions as an author and educator. His raw works of fiction examine themes of American identity and individual morality. With wit and compassion, Mr. Wolff's work reflects the truths of our human experience.
Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos
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