WASHINGTON - Michelle Obama proudly hailed the creative arts as she toured a top Pittsburgh high school with fellow First Ladies gathered from around the world for the G-20 summit in the city.

The better half of President Barack Obama described the arts “a form of diplomacy in which we can all take part” and praised students as the group explored the Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts School.

“As my good friend, Carla Sarkozy, said… in America….here you have people who can sing, and they can dance, and they can act. Now, she said in France it’s not often that you get all of those wrapped in one,” The Politco quoted Michelle as saying as she quoted the first lady of France.

“But she said there’s something unique about America’s talents where it’s just so natural to see all of that talent on display. So you all should be so very proud,” she added.

The mum-of-two continued: “I wanted to come here because this school embodies the belief that President Obama and I share - and that is the arts aren’t just a nice thing to do if you have a little time, right? It’s not just a hobby, although it can be a very good hobby. It shouldn’t be something you do just because you can afford it.

“We believe strongly that the arts aren’t somehow an ‘extra’ part of our national life, but instead we feel that the arts are at the heart of our national life.”

The first African-American First Lady of the United States was said to have become “a sort of unofficial arts ambassador in the White House, opening up the executive mansion to several artists from different genres, including jazz and country music.” (ANI)