Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

Jason Yoon and Rosalia Velis of New Urban Arts, the Providence program for teenagers, are pictured with First Lady Michelle Obama Wednesday at the White House, where they appeared to accept an award.

By John E. Mulligan
Journal Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON -- A group of high school artists from Rhode Island came to the White House Wednesday to collect honors from First Lady Michelle Obama and attend workshops and concerts showcasing the talents of budding amateurs -- and some emminent professionals.

The first lady presented the 2009 Coming Up Taller Award to New Urban Arts, an interdisciplinary arts studio and gallery for high school students and emerging artists in Providence.

New Urban Arts of Providence is one of 15 groups from around the country that have won the award, for creating after-school arts programs for students -- especially those who don't have outlets for their creative impulses. The organization encourages young artists to explore the visual, performing, and literary arts through free, yearlong, out-of-school programs.

Coming Up Taller is a project of the President's Committee on the Arts and the
Humanities in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National
Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

"New Urban Arts is a shining example of how the arts nurture the social, emotional, and long term development of our nation's youth. It gives me great pleasure to know the organization is being recognized nationally and brings me great pride to know that our city is the home of this
exceptional model program, " Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline said in a news release.

After the awards came the latest session in the White House Music Series -- meant to encourage young people to pursue careers in the arts -- featuring violinist Joshua Bell, guitarist Sharon Isbin, cellist Alisa Weilerstein, and pianist Awadagin Pratt.

The four acclaimed musicians are to perform for President and Mrs. Obama in the East Room of the White House on Wednesday evening at 8 p.m.

The evening concert can be viewed at whitehouse.gov

 Tags  education New Urban Arts Providence RI

Comments

Ari Winkleman said:

LOVE IT! Congrats guys!

Link | November 4, 2009 3:39 PM
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