Ethereal in the Community
Giving back to Durham, through tattoos
- $8,000+raised and given since 2024
- 4causes supported
- 5community events in 2026
- FoundingPartner of the Rescue Lens Sponsorship Program
Ethereal Tattoo Gallery has called 730 Rigsbee Ave home since 2018. Durham gave us a place to make art, and we try to give something back: to the rescues caring for the city's animals, to North Carolina neighbors enduring hard times, and to the dog-loving community that has supported us from the start.
Since 2024, Ethereal has raised and given more than $8,000 through charity tattoos, sponsorships, and relief donations. You can also find us tabling at dog events across the Triangle, talking with people about the pets they love.
Featured Fundraisers
Pet Portraits for Hope Animal Rescue (2025): $3,200+ raised
Hope Animal Rescue is an all-volunteer, foster-based rescue in Durham that takes the dogs others pass over: seniors, medical cases, and pit bulls. In 2025, resident artist Brian Parrillo donated four custom pet portrait tattoos to benefit Hope, a fundraiser covered by the News & Observer. Our support for Hope has continued since, and a second fundraiser is on the way.
Tiger Tattoos for Carolina Tiger Rescue (2026): $2,800 raised
For International Tiger Day 2026, Brian drew four realism tiger designs and tattooed them as donation-based pieces for Carolina Tiger Rescue, a GFAS-accredited wildcat sanctuary in Pittsboro, about 45 minutes from the shop.
More Ways We Give
Rescue Lens by Five Freedoms Photography
Ethereal is a Founding Partner of Five Freedoms Photography's Rescue Lens Sponsorship Program. Our sponsorship funded the June and July 2026 Foster Photo Days, where photographer Joanne Wetzel created adoption photos for dogs from six local rescues and shelters. Great photos help shelter dogs get adopted, and great portrait tattoos start with great photos too!
Hurricane Helene relief
After Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina in fall 2024, Ethereal held a small tattoo fundraiser and donated 100% of the shop's commission to the official NC Disaster Relief Fund.
Find us in the community
Shop manager Annika represents Ethereal at events around the Triangle. Stop by our table to see Brian's pet portrait tattoos in person (we bring an example tattoo done on silicone skin!), ask questions, or introduce us to your dog!
Events Coming Up
| Event | Date | Where | Hosted by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barktoberfest, benefiting Beyond Fences | Saturday, October 24, 2026, 1 to 4 PM | Boxyard RTP | Triangle Canine Club |
| Santa Paws | Friday, December 4, 2026, 5 to 8:30 PM | Durham Armory | Durham Parks and Recreation |
Where We Have Been in 2026
| Event | Date | Where | Hosted by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Photo Pop-Up with Five Freedoms Photography | October 4, 2026 | Ethereal Tattoo Gallery | Ethereal and Five Freedoms Photography |
| Walk for the Animals | May 30, 2026 | Duke East Campus | APS of Durham |
| Dog Mom's Day Festival | May 9, 2026 | Boxyard RTP | Triangle Canine Club |
Why We Give
Before joining Ethereal, Annika worked in animal sheltering at APS of Durham, where part of her job was finding rescue placements for dogs. She saw firsthand how much rescues like Hope do, and how much a single good photo can help a shelter dog find a home. Brian's and Annika's first dogs were both shelter pit bulls, and today they share a home with a pit bull named Hawthorn and a cat named Eddie.
Many of the tattoos we make honor animals, so supporting the people who care for them feels like part of the work.
Our Community Friends and Partners
Get tattooed at Ethereal
Ethereal is a calm, appointment-only studio in downtown Durham, specializing in fine line, black and grey realism, and custom portrait work. Meet the artists on our team page.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Since 2024, Ethereal has raised and given more than $8,000 to animal rescue, rescue photography, and North Carolina hurricane relief, mostly through Brian Parrillo's charity tattoo fundraisers.
Does Ethereal Tattoo Gallery donate to charity?
We table at dog-friendly events around Durham and RTP. Upcoming events are listed above and announced on our Instagram.
Where can I meet the Ethereal team outside the shop?
Follow @etherealtattoogallery and @brianparrilloart on Instagram. Fundraisers are announced there first.
How do I hear about the next charity tattoo fundraiser?