Local StoriesDecember 8, 2022

Daily Inspiration: Meet Steven Boody

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to steven boody.

Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I graduated with a Master’s of Landscape Architecture and accepted a position with the State of Missouri in their Office of Administration, Division of Budget and Planning. Responsibilities included the environmental/natural resources/transportation agencies like departments of Agriculture, Natural Resources, Conservation, Transportation, and Highways. Responsible for legislative, budget and policy, and political issues. I quickly realized the Peter Principle was in play or that I had been elevated to incompetency because I was no longer dealing with trees and ducks but at the top administrative level in government and the legislative branch and working with hundreds of millions of dollars. The University of Missouri created a new opportunity to obtain a Master of Public Administration for public employees. I was in the first wave to enter the program in Jefferson City. Five years later, tired of politics, I resigned to work with my wife (an artist) and started Boody Fine Arts, Inc. Diane. I reinvented or turned the firm upside down several times, from selling wholesale to galleries and the design trade to creating corporate art programs. About 20 years ago, we established Public Art & Practice LLC (art consulting). We then merged the two firms and today only offer an art consultancy representing the client, no longer the interests of an artist.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I only wish it has been a smooth road. Still, there have been many struggles along the way with several economic cycles in America (like 2008), interest rates over 20%, growing too big too quickly, and having a great employee develop AIDS early in the disease announcement in the Country. America did not even know or reveal the truth about how it was contracted, spread, etc., and my entire staff at the time threatened to leave. After several appointments with doctors, our attorney, the staff, insurance providers, and the employee, we finally came to an outcome everyone could accept, but it nearly bankrupted us.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We have had several unusual opportunities in my career that have prepared me well for my responsibilities today. Owned and operated a professional print shop with a Master Printer and spent a great deal over the years in foundries casting bronze and stainless steel, working on-site during delivery and installation of major works. We have been involved with the wholesale and retail sides of the business and working with artists in the 2D and 3D arena. We have been blessed to have worked on several huge projects with clients with a Vision and the resources to pull it off. I have the benefit of working on huge design teams with creative artists (international, national, and regional), architects, landscape architects, contractors, hydrologists, stone companies, etc., and the clients, of course. Working with creative artists and clients with a vision is very rewarding, and I give them credit for my 40+ years of being in business.

Who else deserves credit for your story?
The one professional in the Art Business I appreciated for his guidance early on is Ben Pickard and his Pickard Art Galleries in Oklahoma City. He was a consummate professional, well-educated, and highly knowledgeable in his area of expertise. I applaud my wife and partner for her guidance, riding the roller coaster of the business cycles through the best of times and the worst of times, and raising two great children here. As mentioned, I give the credit for our success to our clients and the opportunity to work with many very talented and great artists.

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