In 2003 Phyllis Vadala , Nancy Swarts, and their dog Primo thought they were buying a house in Central New York. Much to their surprise and delight, they found a home- a home in a delightful neighborhood called Hawley-Green. Charmed by the turn-of-the-century architecture, the sheer friendliness of the residents, and the feeling they had stepped back into a simpler time, they sought to invest again.
Bike-riding around the neighborhood Phyllis happened upon a particularly derelict Italianate on Burnet Ave. When the realtor flung open the front door she was greeted with crumbling plaster, holes in the floor, stolen copper water pipes and the dusty remnants of a long-forgotten boozy birthday party: In-other-words, GAY MAKEOVER NIRVANA!!!
Sugarpearl WAS born- not in the 6 months they had hoped, but in a YEAR and 6 months. No less than 40 women have had their hands, backs, sweat and ideas offered in volunteer service to the re-birth of 600 Burnet Ave. The dream of a women's cultural center was born before the doors even opened.
We welcome all in the gay, straight, trans, bisexual and questioning communities.
Come visit soon. We have a growing calendar of women's art, music, media and energy that is not to be missed, as well as exclusively french-pressed coffee, artisinal espresso, and SOON, superb spirits and wine.
Hope to see you soon.
Phyllis, Nancy, and the 'Pearl bois & girls
