By Yaasmiyn Hickman 

Valerie Innella Maiers, PH.D., has experienced a very cultured life. She is a visual arts instructor at Casper College. She lives a life full of opportunities and culture. Coming from Central New Jersey, she felt that teaching was a part of her calling. Taking a break from working full time at art galleries, Innella Maiers applied to teach at Casper College to pursue her love for art and teaching. 

Innella Maiers said, “I’ve always been interested in art. I did study art history but didn’t expect to teach full-time. I moved to Texas and they offered me the opportunity to teach an introduction to art class, which I really enjoyed. Then I went back to school to get my doctorate in Art Education. Now I get to both teach and work in art galleries.” 

Teaching wasn’t even a part of her initial life plan. An out one-time experience stimulated an interest that wasn’t there before. Bringing the need to do it again, and eventually turning it into a career. Innella Maiers found joy in teaching students about her passion.

Innella Maiers shared some of the things she enjoys about teaching. 

“Teaching is something that came to me unexpectedly. Learning about the different types of kids and what they want to do with their degrees is a refreshing chapter that I look forward to every day,” said Innella Maiers.

Coming from a highly populated state, Innella Maiers said she loves everything Casper, Wyo. offers. The flat lands are different from the city life in New Jersey, yet she never fails to find hidden gems of joy. 

“I love to visit family back in New Jersey and visit New York, but in Wyoming, you’re surrounded by this beautiful landscape,” Innella Maiers said. There’s less traffic and more opportunities to go hiking. Especially since fall is here and there are turkeys and deer right outside the art building.” 

Maiers is active in the community by directing the Casper College Humanities Festival each year. The festival is an event that explores disciplines from social and physical sciences, humanities, and fine arts. 

She is also very involved in The Casper College Foundation of Fine Art Collection. Where art pieces are selected to be furnished into buildings all over Casper, Wyoming, including CC. 

“The Humanities festival mainly focuses on humanities, but we touch on other areas. There are speakers from political science or related to agriculture,” said Innella Maiers. “All the visual art on campus is a part of The Casper College Foundation Fine Art Collection.” 

Innella Maiers explained that she is often moving art or loaning art to museum expeditions. She said some of the artworks are from past students, but most of the collection is from artists across the United States. There was so much accomplishment, as she spoke of all the art she handles. 

Innella Maiers radiates a bright and comfortable presence. She spoke full of content happiness, especially when talking about her travels. Europe is a continent that is filled with classic and popular art. 

“I teach travel courses, as well and this past summer I taught a class about the Georgian era of Scottish art and architecture in Edinburgh, Scotland for the University of Wyoming. Then for three weeks, we were in London England to gather art information and incorporate it into future classes,” Innella Maiers explained. 

Innella Maiers said she was part of a fellowship with the University of Wyoming faculty in Jerusalem, Israel this past January. She said she got to see the earliest churches and modern/contemporary art. For CC I’ve taken students to places like Spain, Morocco, and Budapest.

Students who major in art classes at CC take at least one of Innella Maiers’ classes. Freshman Moriah Jones spoke about her experience with Innella Maiers. 

“I love Valerie. She is the sweetest, most interesting person I’ve ever met. Whenever I have questions or need clarification, she always approaches the situation with care. I never feel lost or angry after our interactions. Valerie has a subtle sweetness about her,” Jones said.