Python is starting to look like a damn good language to know as most programs support it and I know its definitely faster than MEL and better. Currently right now in the same phase as you mentioned haha. Check out tech artists forum as Ben mentioned and I try seeing if you can talk with some of the tech art guys at work or…
I have to agree with what has been said here so far. Being a tech artist doesn't mean that you have to know how to program, of course (you probably already know this.) However, you will really find use in knowing languages such MEL or Max Script. Above those, I think the most important language a tech artist should know is…
What tech artists are focused on depends mostly on the company they work on. There's no single "you must know this as tech artist" answer - there's a big degree of specialization within the TA profession - e.g. SFX artists are often considered TAs. Then there's scripter/ programmer TAs, rigging TAs, pipeline TA's, etc,…