Try converting the WordArt to a ‘Picture’.
Select the WordArt > R/click the selection border > Cut > R/click in the document > Paste Options > Picture.
Select the pasted ‘picture’ > Layout Options > In Front of Text > Move/Resize as Reqd.
Go to the Home tab > Editing group > Select > Select all objects > Draw around all objects > R/click selection border(s) > Group > Group