Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement today to congratulate Maine author Stephen King on earning a National Medal for the Arts Citation from the White House. Receiving advance notice from Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts Jane Chu, Pingree was able to give King the good news during a recent phone call.

“All of us in Maine recognize Stephen King as one of our state’s greatest treasures, so it’s exciting to see him receive one of the nation’s highest honors for the arts. He certainly deserves it. The depth of his imagination truly knows no bounds, nor his ability to capture human nature amid the strangest and most horrifying circumstances. Just as special is his way of weaving our state’s character, beauty and atmosphere into his tales. He is a masterful storyteller and a great Mainer — I wish him the very best as he receives this prestigious honor.”