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Triangle Barkitecture - Where architecture saves lives!

  • Writer: Amy
    Amy
  • Mar 30
  • 2 min read
Triangle Barkitecture

Welcome back Triangle Barkitecture, joining Spring Fling for their second time!  This unique non-profit was started in September of 2019 with a creative new twist to fundraising for animal rescues!


Barkitecture is a custom pet architecture competition that challenges local architects and designers to design and build custom pet architecture that will be auctioned off at the event with all proceeds going to a new set of rescue partners each year. This year's Triangle Barkitecture is October 11th at Downtown Cary Park, and will benefit Hope Animal Rescue, Mia's Mafia, and Perfectly Imperfect Pups!


"Triangle Barkitecture is a one-of-a-kind pet architecture and design competition to raise money for pets in need by supporting local foster and pet rescue organizations right here in the Triangle. Local architects, engineers, designers, and creative minds all over the Triangle compete to create the best custom pet architecture that is then auctioned off at the event with 100% of those profits going to pets in need." 

Since 2019, Triangle Barkitecture, a volunteer team of American Institute of Architects Triangle, has raised over $110,000 for local pet rescues, and they are preparing for their biggest event yet this year!


Triangle Barkitecture Oct 2025

Check out the Barkitecture website and socials, Facebook and Instagram, to see more pictures from previous events and to keep up with updates on this year's event! 


Designs from Previous Barkitecture Competitions


Look for the architectural pet furniture at Spring Fling and you will find Triangle Barkitecture! We can't wait to see which design they bring this year!


Unleashed's 12th Annual Spring Fling Dog & Cat Fundraiser

Sunday, April 13, 2025

12-6 pm

Koka Booth Amphitheatre


Stay up to date on all things Spring Fling 2025:

Binky and Bell - Helping Homeless Animals with Cartoon Art!


Binky and Bell Logo Banner

We are so happy to welcome Binky and Bell back as a vendor at this year's Spring Fling! This local cartoon art business has been a longtime supporter of Unleashed. Their name came from Rick's first dog, "Binky," and Mark's last name, "Bell!"


Binky and Bell was founded in 2013 when Rick Gardner and Mark Bell met through a career transition networking group. The duo discovered how their passion for their hobbies, Rick for dogs and Mark for woodworking, could be used for good. Together, they collaborate to create original cartoon dog-and cat-themed art to support local animal shelters and rescues.


Binky and Bell's Founder Rick Gardner

Rick Gardner combines his artistic skill and fundraising knowledge to help homeless pets through Binky and Bell. He has completed three coloring books and one joke book and donated the profits to numerous local rescues and shelters. Rick's work has been featured in multiple exhibits, including:


  • The Visual Art Exchange WERD Art exhibit

  • A Place at the Table in downtown Raleigh

  • The Halle Arts Center in Apex

  • The Spotted Dog Café in Carrboro, Coffee and Crepes in Cary

  • Holly Springs Cultural Arts Center

  • The North Carolina Craft Center in Carrboro.


Rick's artwork influences include Roy Lichtenstein, James Thurber, Charles Shultz, and numerous modern-day graphic artists.


Mark's influences include his background growing up in the suburbs of Detroit and Boston, as well as his professional experiences in Germany and Switzerland.


" My name is Rick Gardner, my brand is Binky and Bell, a brand dedicated to original, whimsical art inspired by the joyful relationships between pets and people. Through my colorful and playful designs of dogs (and cats too!), I explore themes of love, humor, and happiness."

Stop by their booth and browse through cartoon dog and cat art on shirts, sweatshirts, stickers, bags, books, magnets, and signs!


Take a look at their website for any items to be on the lookout for!


Also, follow them on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with their new designs!!




Visit Binky and Bell at

Unleashed's 12th Annual Spring Fling Dog & Cat Fundraiser

Sunday, April 13, 2025

12-6 pm

Koka Booth Amphitheatre


Stay up to date on all things Spring Fling 2025:

Emily Petrilla Art & Illustration

Emily is an animal illustrator/artist combo living in Raleigh, NC. She lives with her husband, 4 Jack Russell Terriers, 4 chickens and 2 ducks. (PHEW!) When she doesn’t have her nose in a sketchbook or is taking care of her small farm of animals, you can find her traveling with her husband and pups in their tiny camper or drinking a decaf oat milk latte in a local coffee shop downtown (with her sketchbook). Her favorite mediums are plain pencil and paper (‘K-I-S-S’), but you can catch her messing with watercolor, gouache paints, colored pencil and digital art just as much.





Shop new totes, notepads, matchboxes, stickers and more featuring adorable pups and other cute animals! Functional items with an extra dose of bright colors and fun!


Visit Emily on her website at https://emilypetrilla.com/ or follow her on Instagram

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