Poet and author Dove smiles at President Obama as she receives the 2011 National Medal of Arts in the East Wing of the White House on Feb. 13, 2012. The National Medal of Arts has been awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts since 1985, while the National Humanities Medal has been handed out by the National Endowment for the Humanities since 1998. Both awards are presented to recipients yearly by the president.
Contemporary sculptor Puryear shakes hands with President Obama after accepting the 2011 National Medal of Arts during the Feb. 13 ceremony.
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Philosopher and African-American studies scholar Appiah accepts the National Humanities Medal from President Obama on Feb. 13, 2012.
Saxophonist Rollins receives the 2010 National Medal of Arts award from President Obama on March 2, 2011, honoring his influences on jazz music.
Music mogul Jones poses with his purple and gold medal during the ceremony for the 2010 National Medal of Arts recipients on March 2, 2011.
Jazz musician Jones stands next to President Bush during the 2008 National Medal of Arts ceremony on Nov. 17, 2008.
2005 recipients trumpeter Marsalis (left) and music conductor DePreist chat outside the East Wing of the White House during the ceremony on Nov. 10, 2005.
Blues guitarist Guy (left) stands with dancer Suzanne Farrell and President Bush during the 2003 National Medal of Arts ceremony on Nov. 12, 2003.
Singer-songwriter and Motown legend Robinson received the award from President Bush in 2002.
Pulitzer Prize-nominated author and poet Angelou was awarded the medal in 2000 for her numerous literary and humanitarian achievements.
Music legend Franklin received her National Medal of Arts award in 1999 from President Clinton.
Harvard professor, author, African-American scholar and The Root's editor-in-chief, Gates was awarded the National Humanities Medal in 1998.
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