Sheryl Neal

July 15, 2022
Samantha Wrigglesworth

Sheryl Neal was born in Seneca Falls, NY. Upon graduation from high school she left NY and earned her Bachelorsof Fine Arts at Bethel College in Minnesota. After teaching in Michigan, Texas, and Delmar, NY she settled in the Mohawk Valley in the early 70’s to teach art at Canajoharie Central School. Never intending to stay, she somehow found herself brought in to and charmed by the community.

Sheryl and her husband, Stanley Phillips, bought the Walter Lipe property in 1984 and slowly began the task of preserving and protecting the neglected 1915 stone teahouse and garden designed by Bryant Fleming. The huge undertaking has been the focus for years and is nearing completion.Because of the family commitment to preserve other architectural gems so visible in this small community, she took on the task of raising awareness for the West Hill School and along with her friend, Dolores Jacksland, successfully raised the matching funds needed to satisfy the grant requirements for the roof and chimney.

In her spare time, she gardens, travels, and creates mosaics using glass, mirror, and pottery.