By Hannah J. Farrow
The Tampa Bay Business for Culture & the Arts (TBBCA) is honoring Michael Connelly, Lorna Taylor, and Kalup Linzy at its 30th Annual IMPACT Awards on October 10 for their generous, arts-impacting contributions.
Mr. Connelly, Ms. Taylor, and Mr. Linzy have each played a significant role in influencing and shaping what the business, arts, and cultural atmosphere is today in Tampa Bay.
Yes—these are big names.
Michael Connelly has written over 30 novels, sold over 70 million copies in 40 foreign languages, received prestigious literary awards, and has had two of his books turned into movies (and is currently the executive producer of Amazon’s series Bosch). He was the first Literary Arts judge for TBBCA’s Art Stars Scholarships in 2008, which was founded by the late Charlie Hounchell, a close friend.
“By then, Michael Connelly had achieved success and fame – with book sales and beyond,” TBBCA Executive Director Susana Weymouth said. “Mike and Linda (his wife) have continued their generous support of the Charlie Hounchell Art Stars Scholarships program, renamed for their dear friend.”
Mr. Connelly is receiving the Lifetime Achievement Impact Award.
Receiving the 2019 Patron of Culture & the Arts Impact Award is Lorna Taylor, president and CEO of Premier Eye Care. She plays a major role in the current Tampa Bay artistic and cultural environment, which includes her generous contributions to the Dali Museum, Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, The Woodson African American Museum, and many more.
“She’s generous not just as a donor but also with her time, energy, and expertise,” Ms. Weymouth said. Ms. Taylor is also the past president and chair of TBBCA’s Board and a current board director. (The current president and chair of the TBBCA board is Stephen Gay.)
Kalup Linzy is a multifaceted performance artist—including video, fashion, photography, TV, music—whose work has been featured in many museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, MoMA PS1 Greater New York, Hessel Museum of Art, Bard College, the Carpenter Center at Harvard University, and Berkeley Art Museum.
“Whenever possible, Kalup has invited collaborations and included local Tampa Bay area artists in his performance and video work, helping them to gain wider attention,” Ms. Weymouth said.
Mr. Linzy is receiving the 2019 Innovation Arts Impact Award.
TBBCA was founded in 1989 and wouldn’t be where it is today without the involvement of its many contributors. To attend this elegant evening of art and networking, and to learn more about how the organization impacts jobs creation, generates government revenue, and helps the Tampa Bay community overall, visit the TBBCA website.
Editors note: Story updated to reflect Ms. Taylor’s current position on the TBBCA board.