Metz views UM as having been “the absolutely perfect place” for him. As his career in the university’s art department progressed, so did his friendships with fellow faculty members.

“We’ve just been given the freedom to develop the program the way we want to,” Metz said of the department. “It’s been a very good and happy experience. It’s not like a job; it’s like a part of my lifestyle.”

Although his life’s work deals with structure, Metz said he is not concerned about not having a set schedule every day, noting retirement “just feels good.”

“It feels like it’s the right time,” he said. “I’m not worried about the lack of structure in my life because I’m going to be real busy here.

“I’m healthy. I have a lot of energy. I didn’t want to teach so long that by the time I retired I would be too infirm or feeble to continue my creative output.”

Metz said he was ready to relinquish his position to another person who, like him, was searching for a foothold in the sometimes-slippery world of art careers.

“The coolest part of retiring is giving someone else a chance to do this,” he said. “These jobs are scarce. I had an opportunity 42 years ago because someone left, and I get to pass it on.”