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Since 1985, we have published Best of Portland partly to formalize our never-ending search to define this place we call home. By cataloging the people, places and institutions--as well as the quirks, habits and mini-rebellions--that make Portland an extraordinary place in which to live, work and play, we hope our annual issue serves as a reminder of how lucky we are. An undertaking of this sort can be achieved only by the best staff in town. From ad sales to production, with a lot of editorial and administrative work in between, more than 60 WW-ers have done their best, once again, to make this the biggest and best Best of Portland ever. For Arts and Culture Editor Audrey Van Buskirk, this week's issue marks the end of a long and rewarding tenure at Willamette Week. On Tuesday she packed her belongings and drove her red Isuzu out of town--not without a lot of gnashing of teeth, of course, accompanied by hugs and good wishes as well as a roast or two. (See page 77 to get a sense of how much we appreciate Audrey.) During nine years at WW--nearly six of them as arts and culture editor--Audrey made many contributions. She introduced readers to HeadOut, Portland's best one-sheet guide to live music. She edited Portland's best restaurant guide. She helped conceive and bring about Beervana and the Mash, Portland's best coverage of the local microbrew scene. And she played a huge role in our efforts to bring to Portland North by Northwest, Portland's best music festival and conference. Such a list, of course, says nothing of the carefree but focused soul who successfully nurtured a host of talented writers and dozens of friendships without confusing the two tasks. All is not lost, however. Audrey's next destination is Santa Fe, N.M., where she will edit WW's sibling publication, the Reporter. This is the best sort of farewell. |
