Hi, everybody! I’m Lindsay Costello, and I’m excited to introduce myself as the Portland Mercury’s new staff writer. I love covering all things arts-related for the Merc, and couldn't be happier to take on this role. 

I moved to Portland from central Florida in 2014 and attended the Oregon College of Art and Craft, where I studied textiles, book arts, and took an arts writing course that got my career rolling. I’ve covered the art scene in Portland and Seattle since 2016 for outlets like Hyperallergic, Art Papers, Oregon Artswatch, and Art & About PDX. 

Before moving to the Mercury, I was the Arts Calendar Editor at EverOut for over three years, spreading the good word about cultural events throughout the region. Some recent favorite arts writing opportunities include my interviews with Jónsi of Sigur Rós and his perfumer family, the New Age music pioneer Laraaji, and the artist-activist Anida Yoeu Ali.

When I’m not writing about local arts, I’m either working on my MFA in fiction (because I am nothing if not self-punishing), attempting to teach myself the hammered dulcimer, or making art of my own as time allows. Like all good millennials, I am a fledgling birdwatcher and plant identifier, too. Thank you to those who donate directly to the Mercury—you’re the reason I get to write weird and wonderful things about art, birds, and zither players.

I’ve been advised that you will “automatically love me” if I include a photo of my breathtakingly gorgeous senior baby, Spaghetti. Hope this works:

Get in touch with us both (and share your arts tips!) at lindsay@portlandmercury.com, or on Instagram @lindsay.costello. I am also on Letterboxd and open to your thoughts on my top four favorite films.