At the Board of Trustees meeting in November, the College received a painting entitled, “Koi Pond at the Dallas Arboretum” from an alumnus. “I want to honor you because you support the arts with every decision you make financially,” Fred Garza, Ph.D. told board members as he presented his painting to the College.
Garza immigrated from Mexico and became a U.S. citizen in 1973. He received a bachelor’s degree in food science from Texas A&M University and a Master of Education and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Texas. He taught Chemistry for several years with the Mansfield ISD and retired in 2018.
He took drawing and oil painting at TCC Southeast from 2014 to 2019 and credits his art instructors with his ability to create this painting. “The reason I am able to paint that way is because of the wonderful instruction TCC gave me.” Garza praised his instructors, saying they reflect the exemplary faculty TCC hires. “They have a very high level of integrity,” he said. “They look at each student as a little gem, a possibility of something that can happen in the future.” He also admired them for never touching his work. “A true art teacher will give instruction, but they will never touch your painting.”
According to Garza, the painting took approximately three days a week for four months to complete. It was based on a photo taken during a trip to the Dallas Arboretum with a friend.
Additionally, Garza expressed his thanks to the taxpayers for providing “the funds for all these wonderful courses.”
Garza’s painting will be hung in the Chancellor’s office. Wrapping up his presentation, Garza said, “I appreciate the fact that you enjoy my painting. I truly want for you to have the opportunity to share with all who come into your office. You can say, ‘Look what we did!’”
Board President Teresa Ayala thanked him and said, “This will be on display for generations to come.”
