Politics

Michelle Obama portrait debuts at Smithsonian

12:35 PM on 08/22/2010

Join Our Mailing List

Related News: NBA All-Star roster revealed: From Kobe to Chris Paul, LA teams dominate; Michelle Obama on 'Tonight Show': President Obama 'sings to me all the time' (VIDEO); Michelle Obama on the cover of More magazine

Share Bar

This undated handout image provided by the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery shows a screenprint of first lady Michelle Obama by Mickalene Thomas. (AP Photo/Smithsonian, Mickalene Thomas)

BRETT ZONGKER,Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Move over Martha Washington. Martha Stewart and Michelle Obama are getting space in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington for the first time.

A new exhibit, "Americans Now," opened Friday, featuring famous names from science, business, government and the arts.

President Barack Obama and the first lady are among those portrayed. It's the first time Michelle Obama's individual portrait has been shown at the gallery.

WATCH MSNBC COVERAGE OF MICHELLE OBAMA'S PORTRAIT:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Familiar names in the collection also include actor Tom Hanks and music artists Willie Nelson and LL Cool J. Video portraits in the exhibit feature late-night comedians Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien and David Letterman, as well as actor George Clooney and NBA star LeBron James.

The portraits are on view through July 2011.