Binky and Bell - Helping Homeless Animals with Cartoon Art!

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.

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!!