A graduate of the State University College of New York at Fredonia, Art began his professional career as trombonist and arranger with some of the greatest big bands of the 1940s, including those of Red Norvo, Joe Marsala, Claude Thornhill, and Vaughn Monroe. He later served as staff arranger for radio stations WGR and WBEN in Buffalo, New York.

He went on to become one of the foremost initiators of the school jazz ensemble movement. While teaching public school instrumental music, he recognized an urgent need for student-level stage band music. Drawing from his extensive writing and playing experience, in 1954 he started his own publishing company, Kendor Music, and issued his first big band charts for school groups. His keen interest in all types of educational music eventually led to the publication of more than 300 compositions and arrangements bearing his name, along with hundreds more by other gifted writers.

During his lifetime Art also served as clinician at several prominent jazz camps, and presented workshops at national conventions to generate interest in jazz among educators.