Art is a native of Portland, Oregon.
He is a graduate of Stanford University, with a degree in construction engineering. For 35 years, he owned Riedel International, Inc. a major international marine construction company, Willamette Tug and Barge Company, a subsidiary started in Portland in 1937, and Riedel Environmental Technologies, Inc. and international environmental remediation company. Art has served in many capacities in the City of Portland and in Oregon, having received numerous honor and awards. He is owner of Celtic Development, Inc., real estate and private investments. Art presently serves on Multnomah County Sheriff's Advisory Commission, Port of Tillamook Bay Board of Commissioners and is the Honorary Consul Emeritus to the Netherlands.