Michelle Obama traveled to New York yesterday to celebrate the nation’s arts.

In addition to cutting the ribbon at the reopening of an American Art wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and attending opening night at the American Ballet, the First Lady took some time to stress the importance of artistic endeavors to the American dream. "The arts are not just a nice thing to have," said Mrs. Obama at the museum, as part of an event attended by the likes of Anna Wintour and Ralph Lauren. "They define who we are as a people."

She went on to say that the nation’s children need art to properly define who they are: “My husband and I believe strongly that arts education is essential for building innovative thinkers who will be our nation’s leaders of tomorrow." President Obama has devoted $50 million of his stimulus to the National Arts Endowment and, along with Michelle, served as an honorary co-chair for last night’s performance at the ballet.