PHOTO: Michael Metzger, Michael Metzger & Staff, Inc. - Events.org

RECYCLED ART SALEOwner Josie Cantarelli says, “We offer home decor with a touch ofantiquity, from rustic to modern, Eastlake to Stickley.” A few years ago,Josie was a dean at a college in Chicago and her husband Michael ownedThe Antique Shop of Long Grove. When the opportunity for a space indowntown Highwood came up, they moved their stock in.One competitive advantage they enjoy is their regular Sunday hours.“Sunday is a great day to be open,” says Josie. “Typically, Sunday is the day ahusband and wife go out together, and this can be a regular stop.” Stoppingregularly is precisely what you have to do to snatch up that find. Oneanecdote drives this point home. A customer came in and saw a large-scalecrystal and silver centerpiece. Perhaps she hoped to improve the price byappearing disinterested, but no sooner had she left the shop to “take a lookat the other stores” when a gentleman appeared and bought the centerpiece.On our visit, we saw many beautiful and funky things. In addition to theframed art (including very affordable prints), the tables were set with lovelychina and crystal that would be perfect for a first apartment or a secondhome. Interesting barware and walking sticks would appeal to men, andvintage hats to women of all generations. “We’re very particular about qualityand won’t make unfounded claims,” manager Karen Clemens told us.Top quote: “Until I came to your shop, I really never knew that Icould mix and match antiques with my contemporary decorating.”Top picks: Set of six silverplate cocktail glasses, $85; a 45" fishingschooner hand-carved by a blind artist, $1,550; an antique Chinese liquorcabinet/bar, carved mahogany, early 1900s, $2,500.Fabulous finds, steals and deals, nothing else like it in the (art) world…The 19th annual Recycled Art Sale starts Friday July 27 and continuesuntil August 25. You might find a painting by Chicago artist Jim Lutes or amid-19th century oil portrait of a general or paintings by contemporaryartists. Everything sells for a fraction of the original cost; and during thelast week, just make an offer! The sale is free and open to the public. Fortickets to the opening auction event, contact TAC.THE ART CENTER1957 Sheridan Road847-432-1888Gallery hours: Monday through Saturday, 9-5.Re-sale shopping is a lovely way to while away an hour or an afternoon.There are few rules for browsing other people’s things, but this author haslearned from four decades of experience: If you like something, buy it. Youare far more likely to regret the one that got away than one you bought. Inany case, what was for re-sale can easily become the perfect gift. And yes,your recipient might one day “re-gift” that very thing. It’s all part of theadventure of acquiring and divesting the rare, the romantic and theunusual. So get there early; if you don’t, someone else will.Whether you are looking for something old, something newor anything blue, the Highland Park Chamber of Commercehas a list of stores that have just what you’re looking for. Call847-432-0284 or email chamber@ehighlandpark.com.Secure for generations.HomeownersAutoBusinessCommercial Bonds(847)432-1000445 Sheridan RoadHighwood, IL 60040-0699www.guyviti.comGroup Health InsuranceEmployee BenefitsLife InsuranceInvestments(847)432-8484445 Sheridan RoadHighwood, IL 60040-0699www.guyviti.comSecurities offered solely by Equity Services, Inc., Montpelier, VT 05604,(802) 229-3900. Walter V. Parenti and Ester C. Viti are registeredrepresentatives of Equity Services, Inc. Viti Financial Services is independentof Equity Services, Inc.©2004 Guy Viti Insurance, Inc.A division of Guy Viti Insurance AgencySpring 2007 / 35