As a child, Gary Metzner was already picking out wallpaper for his parents’ decorator. So it’s little wonder that this convivial Glencoe native, 50, wound up turning his discerning eye to art. Now a fine art specialist and auctioneer for Sotheby’s in Chicago, he gets an up-close-and-personal view of some of the most beautiful things in town.
Everything in the carefully curated River North condo Metzner shares with his partner, medical physicist Scott Johnson, has a story worthy of a write-up in an auction catalog. “From luggage to clothes,” says Metzner, “we just like the idea that you are thoughtful about all of it.” These 10 items are among his favorites.
Etymotic Research Earphones
(from $39, amazon.com)
“They sound great and cancel out noise on planes.”
Robert Burnier Sculpture
(Andrew Rafacz Gallery, 835 W. Washington Blvd.)
“There’s this trompe l’oeil quality: Is it paper or is it metal?”
Rolex Submariner
($9,050, Rolex, 636 N. Michigan Ave.)
“I love [this watch in] green, but it’s very hard to get.”
Sunday Riley Good Genes Skin Treatment
($105, Barneys New York, 15 E. Oak St.)
“You can feel it working.”
PVMN Leather Belt
($149, Space519, 900 N. Michigan Ave.)
“These belts come in great colors and materials.”
Rimowa Suitcase
(from $475, Flight 001, 1133 N. State St.)
“Very durable.”
Hermès Silk Bow Tie
($170, 25 E. Oak St.)
“Nerdy chic.”
Burled Elm Wood Dining Table
(custom-made Michael Richman Interiors)
“I love that it gives a nod to the ’70s without being a replica of anything made at that time.”
Hideaway Report
($195 for one year, andrewharper.com)
“Our go-to [travel newsletter].”
Roger Brown Artwork
“My parents [own a] Roger Brown painting. [And] Scott loves to iron.”