Its an unfortunate thing to have to defend the role of artistic creation in today's society. I'm glad you have worked to find a response -- if not to your friend out loud, at least for yourself and for us as readers.
The utilitarian view still requires the role of an artist in society. Sometimes it is easy to forget that after a person has worked to acquire health, shelter, and even dignity, there's more needed. The artist is pursuing that question. (And also, much art informs the basic needs as well!)
Thank you, @bypic. I think it's important for aspiring artists to recognize the potential power of art for their community. Having a clearer understanding of what art does and how it can affect the viewer can potentially guide artists towards otherwise unlocked artistic improvement. Taking the art field as a whole more seriously might just result in an increase in artwork of great merit. I think the power is in the hands of educated artists who can begin creating more effective work that won't need any defense in the eyes of utilitarianism.
one learns to speak to oneself, and in self discovery , seek to speak beyond -- towards a larger audience.