Art's passion for education spurred a 'Communities in Schools' program targeting at-risk students using mentoring programs, tutoring, mental health assistance, human services and counseling to help kids stay in school. His program received national recognition at a White House ceremony for creative and successful business-school partnerships.

Briefly leaving education for a career with U.S. Cellular, Art quickly became a direct sales supervisor and manager of numerous retail stores, including opening and operating new stores for the company. This required Art to identify new markets, help find new locations for stores, arrange for their lease and remodeling, and to hire, train and manage store employees.

After making the decision to return to public education and updating and expanding his credentials, Art taught Business Management and Time Management courses at Kirkwood Community College and developed workforce training at the Iowa Workforce Development office in Cedar Rapids.

Art's wife recently opened a new business, Karma Coffee Cafe, that provides a "refuge" a place of peace where people can get away, relax, and enjoy great coffee and food.

The citizens of district 37 elected Art to the Iowa House Representative in 2007-2008 where he served as Vice Chairman of both the Education Committee and the Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee. He also represented Iowans on the Economic Growth, Labor, and Veterans Affairs committees. Today, Art serves on the Education and Veterans Affairs Committees, Administrative Rules Review Committee, International Relations Committee, Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee and is a ranking member on Local Government committee in the House.

In 2014, Art was awarded the Public Health Official of the Year Award by the Iowa Public Health Association in recognition for his efforts supporting and promoting public health in Linn County and the state of Iowa.

Currently, Art teaches in Cedar Rapids Schools and is active in the Cedar Rapids Education Association. He resides in Cedar Rapids with his wife Susan. They have four children and five grandchildren.