Fred Goldring Among Obama Arts Appointments

President Obama has named six new members he will nominate for the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, including entertainment lawyer Fred Goldring and BET co-founder Sheila Johnson.

Goldring is a partner in Beverly Hills-based Goldring, Hertz & Lichtenstein, LLP, which has represented Will Smith, Beyoncé, Gwen Stefani, Black Eyed Peas, Herbie Hancock, Ne-Yo and Britney Spears.

Sheila Johnson is the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), a documentary film producer and a classically trained violinist.

"The arts are the most important thing you can give a child in the developing years because its the one part of the curriculum where they get to use their creativity and imagination," said Goldring. "And in a world where things are becoming increasingly complex, we need to be training problem solvers who can think creatively. I don't think there's a better place to develop that than the arts."

The other appointments are: artist Chuck Close; Pamela Joyner, founder of strategic marketing firm Avid Partners; author Jhumpa Lahiri; and Ovation TV chairman Ken Solomon.

"I am proud that these distinguished individuals will serve in my Administration," said President Obama in a statement. "The arts and the humanities enhance the vibrancy of our society, inspire us and strengthen our democracy. I look forward to working with them in the weeks and months ahead."