Anastasia Barnes, publisher of High-Profile Monthly, recently caught up with John Kirby, founder and president of Meridian Art Consulting, a full-service art advisory firm that recently rebranded from Boston Art.
John Kirby
Anastasia Barnes: The name Meridian Art Consulting carries a sense of direction and connection. What does the concept of a meridian represent for your firm, and how does it reflect the evolution of your mission and values?
John Kirby: A meridian is an invisible line that guides navigation across oceans and maps. The name represents precision, orientation, and connection. Meridian conveys how we align clients and artists from early concepts through installation. A subtle nod to Boston’s maritime heritage, the name reflects the exact care and expertise we bring to our work – charting a clear course for art programs that reach their destination with purpose.
AB: After 25 years as Boston Art, what prompted the decision to rebrand, and how does the new name capture the company’s national growth and expanding scope of work?
JK: The rebrand really grew out of who we’ve become. Our work has expanded far beyond New England. We’re now partnering on projects across the country, and our reach continues to grow. We work in all sectors: multifamily, healthcare, hospitality, restaurants, residential, corporate relocation, and senior living, and needed a name that reflected that evolution instead of limiting it. “Meridian” captures that beautifully. It speaks to navigation, connection, and reach, which mirrors how we guide clients and collaborate with artists nationwide. It honors our history while making room for the breadth of work we’re doing now and the opportunities ahead.
Capital One, Cambridge
AB: As a firm that began in Boston and now operates across the country, how do you stay connected to your origins while embracing a broader geographic scope?
JK: We’re proud of our Boston roots. It’s where our relationships began and where we learned the value of story and community. That foundation still guides us. At the same time, Meridian lets us carry those values onto a national stage. Whether a project is in Texas, Florida, California, or beyond, we bring the same collaboration, respect for local stories, and commitment to artists and place. We stay grounded in who we are – each project our clients entrust to us keeps us curious, open, and continually learning about new communities, cultures, and artists.
Idyl, Fenway
AB: Can you share insight into the creative process behind the rebrand and what you hope the new look/logo communicates to clients and partners?
JK: The rebrand was a thoughtful, inclusive process that involved most of our team. We partnered with Doyen, the same firm that helped launch us from day one, which made the evolution feel authentic to our roots. We kept the essence of our original logo, which hinted at artwork emerging from the wall, but refined it into a single continuous line. That one line symbolizes connection, clarity, and the way we guide clients through the entire art process. With Meridian, we wanted a look that feels modern and expansive while still reflecting where we started, and we hope clients feel that sense of trust, direction, and connection when they see it.
