He was born in Montana, has his MFA, and has taught at three other universities before coming to USF. He has also done corporate websites and graphic design. In Recontextualizing Aesthetics at MAC, he builds on their "Colorpalooza" sumertime program, where the community can come into the Center and make different kinds of lighthearted art. They have several tables set up, complete with materials. Neil's work emphasizes the role of color as an aesthetic element.