Barkitecture News: Art For Animals in Marion County Florida, a partnership of Marion Cultural Alliance and the Humane Society of Marion County to bring awareness to the needs of homeless animals.

Click on the photos below to view the trip to the University of Florida!

Members of the Gator Barkitecture Brigade

While talking with TV 20, Dogtown, Fla. Mayor Mike Amsden, poses with Barkitecture Committee member Roseann Morton.

Arriving at the UF campus, getting ready to move the O'Canine Center for the signing

Gerald Ergle, builder of the O'Canine Center and President of the MCA Board, along with Dogtown Mayor Mike Aamsden, presents Coach Billy Donavan with a miniature of Old Glory from the Horse Fever collection. Looking on is Barkitecture committee member Roseann Morton. Coach Donavan said he appreciated the gesture and added that his wife, who is an equestrienne, would be delighted with the statuette.

Coach Donavan gets a preview of the Barkitecture auction items

TV and press gather around the key players

It's official! The Stephen C. O'Canine Center is autographed by Coach Billy Donovan and his staff of UF coaches. Witnessing are Dogtown Mayor Mike Amsden, left, and builder, Gerald Ergle, right.

Signatures as they appear on the roof of the Barkitecture structure

Here's the scene on the UF Campus for the autographing of the Barkitecture doghouse

November 2007. Ocala, FL

Pet lovers and anyone who appreciates architectural detail with a bit of whimsy will enjoy a free holiday exhibit in downtown Ocala. This is the latest addition to the downtown Ocala holiday festivities planned this year.

The free exhibit is part of the fund-raising project known as Barkitecture and Dogtown, Florida.

Three weekends in December, Barkitecture joins the downtown Ocala holiday celebration with a free exhibit of the Barkitecture houses at the old library at the corner of Osceola and Silver Springs Boulevard. The first three-day exhibit is Friday, Dec. 14, 6-8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 15, noon-8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 16, 1-4 p.m.

Other exhibit dates are Friday, Dec. 21; Saturday, Dec. 22 and Sunday, Dec. 23. The final showing is Friday, Dec. 28, Saturday, Dec. 29 and Sunday, Dec. 30. Hours are Fridays, 6-8 p.m., Saturdays, noon-8 p.m. and Sundays, 1-4 p.m.

The project is presented by Marion Cultural Alliance, Inc. and the Humane Society of Marion County to bring awareness to the needs of homeless animals and to demonstrate the power of the arts to change lives. The free public exhibit is the final one leading up to the gala and Barkitecture auction, a fund-raiser for the collaborating agencies. The auction and gala will be held Saturday, February 2, 2008.

“These structures have been on display at the respective locations of the individual sponsors. They are invited back to the downtown square by popular demand. It’s a neat holiday presentation that both children and adults will enjoy,” said Mike Amsted, chairman.

Doghouse names like St. Paws Cathedral, Dogwood, Taj Ma-Dog, Ocala Fire Deputmut, Ocala Pawlice Department, the Master’s Club, Doghill Downs, Woofenheim Museum, Sun Poo-Chi Inn, Paw & Order Judicial Center pique the curiosity.

In addition to the elaborate doghouses, Barkitecture features a collection of large animal statues, both canine and feline, designed by local artists and school groups.

“We encourage everyone to include this free exhibit in their holiday plans,” Amsted said.

For information call Marion Cultural Alliance Inc. 352-369-1500. On the Web, visit http://www.dogtownflorida.com/

Paula King and Carmen Greiner are proud of the Barkford House