widely celebrated for a lifelong exploration of abstraction, expressionism, and geometry that marry sophisticationuty and form, mr. barnet has been a constant force in the visual arts world. [applause] rita dove. [applause] the 2011 national medal of arts to rita dove for her contributions to american letters and her service as poet laureate of the united states from 1993 to 1995. through works that blend beauty, lyricism, critique and politics, ms. dove has illuminated american poetry and literature, and cultivated popular interest in the arts. [applause] al pacino. [applause] the 2011 national medal of arts to al pacino for his iconic contributions to american film and theater as actor and director. recognized around the world for his signature intensity of the silver screen, mr. pacino stands among america's most accomplished artists. [applause] emily rauh pulitzer. [applause] the 2011 national medal of arts to emily rauh pulitzer for her contributions as a curator, art collector, and philanthropist. the founder of the pulitzer prize for the arts mrs. pulitzer has broadened the impact of the ar

widely celebrated for a lifelong exploration of abstraction, expressionism, and geometry that marry sophisticationeauty and form, mr. barnet has been a constant force in the visual arts world. [applause] rita dove. [applause] the 2011 national medal of arts to rita dove for her contributions to american letters and her service as poet laureate of the united states from 1993 to 1995. through works that blend beauty lyricism, critique, and politics, ms. dove has illuminated american poetry and literature, and cultivated popular interest in the arts. [applause] al pacino. [applause] the 2011 national medal of arts to al pacino for his iconic contributions to american film and theater as actor and director. recognized around the world for his signature intensity of the silver screen, mr. pacino stands among america's most accomplished artists. [applause] emily rauh pulitzer. [applause] the 2011 national medal of arts to emily rauh pulitzer for her contributions as a curator art collector, and philanthropist. the founder of the pulitzer prize for the arts mrs. pulitzer has broadened the impact of the a