Meet Lee Tacang, A Distinguished Educator

Lee Tacang has served the students of the Art Department for 35 years. He began his teaching career at De Anza in spring of 1970 when he graciously substituted for an instructor who became ill. "Lee proved himself to be an outstanding instructor and impressed colleagues with his cultivation of student creativity," said Vice President of Instruction Judy Miner. One of his earliest classroom evaluations reported: "The central point emphasized with students is their worth in terms of aesthetic perception and ability to express what they perceive. He is evidently well liked and sought after for advice and assistance."

As students and colleagues reflect on Lee's accomplishments as both an artist and educator, they do so in a tone that might be described as reverential. They hold him in high esteem and express gratitude that he has shared his creative gift. He is truly a distinguished educator!

Patricia Eastman, currently enrolled in an art class taught by Dean of Creative Arts Nancy Canter, took her first art class "ever" from Lee in spring quarter 1971. "It was called Basic Design, Art 3A," Patricia said. "During the first class, he announced that we were going to do something different in his class. We would build a project, according to specs he would provide, using mat board, mat knife, glue and straws. I had never built or assembled anything in my life. Did I feel challenged? You can believe it! But, somehow I cut the board, glued it together and created a piece of sculpture that he added to his slide collection of student work."

"I still have that project in my home and it reminds me of that first class more than 34 years ago. That piece represents challenge, and the gift that came from it was knowledge that I could do anything," Patricia said. "I applied the same concepts when I built my own ‘art' desk a few years later and the same courage and determination when earning my private pilot's license. You never know what will happen when you show up for class, but if you are lucky, you'll find someone like Lee who will give you the assignment of your life. I'd like to say thank you, Lee, for that gift!"

Lee said he owes a lot to the many teachers who have influenced his own teaching performance. "In 1965, Mr. Robert Collins, San Jose State University Graduate Coordinator, inspired me to become a college instructor. With his encouragement and help, I began art instruction at SJSU in 1966. He died in 1968 from Lou Gehrig's disease, but his example and encouragement were so important in my life when I began teaching during the civil rights era," Lee said. "De Anza's Art Department opened in 1967 and established a high standard of teaching before I arrived in 1970. Dr. Lillian Quirke, Gerry Eknoian, Sal Pecoraro, Gaylord Forbes, Joyce Hendry, and especially William Cleveland and Charles Walker, built a program popular throughout the Bay Area."

The late Bruce George recommended Lee for De Anza. At the time, Bruce was the Euphrat Gallery co-director and the gallery was about twice the size it is now. "He has his classes spellbound, but if someone's not paying attention, he has no qualms about calling them back to what they're supposed to be doing," Charlie said. "He gives new meaning to teaching and is very popular with his students. He's a very fine teacher. His years at De Anza speak for themselves."

The dean of Creative Arts had her own praise for Lee: "Lee has the largest enrollments and wait lists for his drawing classes, which continue to show his popularity and his responsiveness to all students," Nancy said. "He's a master teacher. Each time I have evaluated him I have been impressed with his ability to demonstrate techniques, give challenging projects, critique the work with student participation and engage students in the learning process."

Nancy also shared that Lee taught her to challenge students and herself beyond what she already knew. "In doing so, he has taught me to change my projects each quarter so that I am out of my comfort zone and I continue to learn with my students, so that I change and grow with them in a shared learning experience," Nancy said.

"Change is a constant in an artist's life," Lee said. "The artist/teacher concern about contemporary events or trends necessitates continual assessment of student project objectives."

Lee is consistently well organized and prepared but also embraces spontaneity. "Such flexibility creates a dynamic environment that keeps students engaged. A typical class session with Lee is characterized by high student motivation and participation. His critiques have even been described as ‘debates with heavy student participation on matters ranging beyond the simple technical skill of drawing.' He possesses an uncanny skill for striking just the right balance between praise and constructive criticism and students respond with enthusiasm and eagerness to learn," Judy said.

Being a witness to student progress and having had some part in the process is most enjoyable for Lee. "I teach beginning drawing now on Article 19, but I started with design and have taught all drawing, sculpture, oil and watercolor classes over the years," he said. "I want to impart to students that their creative self-expression needs to be continually practiced."

Lee Tacang's life drawing classes are a staple for De Anza animation students. Since earning a B.A. and an M.A. in art from San Jose State University, he has worked as an art director, scriptwriter, storyboard artist and animator for such clients as Levi Strauss, Atari, Hewlett-Packard, KQED, HBO's "Comedy Store" and "Faerie Tale Theatre", CBS's "NBA Playoffs" and "U.S. Tennis Open" and ABC's "Monday Night Football." He has exhibited in galleries from the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis to the Chateau des Voutes in France, as well as installations in the Bay Area.

Lee chose "The Final Solution" by Michael Chabon as his award from Judy's stash of autographed books.