Sally Field, Stephen King to receive National Medals of Arts Thursday

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama is to present the 2014 National Medals of Arts to honorees including Sally Field and Stephen King at the White House Thursday.

First lady Michelle Obama will also attend the event in the East Room.

"Ranging from literature, theater, and visual arts to arts presentation and philanthropy, these artists and organizations have broadened our horizons and enriched our lives. I join the President in congratulating them and celebrating what the arts do for America," National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu said in a statement.

Also to receive medals at the ceremony will be visual artists John Baldessari and Ann Hamilton; theater director, choreographer, and video and installation artist Ping Chong; actress Miriam Colón; composer-performer Meredith Monk; tenor George Shirley; and author-educator Tobias Wolff. To be recognized as well are The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and University Musical Society.