Potter Bobby Ferguson at the wheel. Ferguson was a long-time donor, who later in life received blood. The annual blood drive at his family
GAINESVILLE - ​Gillsville potter Bobby Ferguson's work brought him attention from collectors across the country and earned him recognition at the Smithsonian Institute, but according to his family, there was another part of his life he took particular pride in.<br />
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​"Daddy was a blood donor. He gave until he couldn't give any more," said daughter Darlene Holly. "He also gave to numerous charities and local fundraisers."<br />
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​On Oct 4, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the family's annual pottery show at 6468 Old Gillsville Road, Gillsville will honor Ferguson's art tradition that has inspired a new generation of potters, and the tradition of giving blood, with a blood drive hosted by LifeSouth. Holly said this will mark the 18th year of the lifesaving event. There will be prize drawings at the blood drive and many of the vendors will be offering discounts.<br />
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​Ferguson, who died of cancer in 2005, would have been 81. Always dressed in old blue coveralls and a battered blue fishing hat, his daughter said he didn't look like a fancy artist, but his work, particularly his Rebecca pitchers, were widely admired. And because of blood donors, he gained an extra decade of life to practice his art.<br />
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​Back in 1995 Ferguson nearly died from a ruptured aortic aneurism, and blood donors were literally the difference between life and death for the long-time donor. Holly remembers her father was still in the ICU when he told his family members, "Every one of you get down there and give some blood back."<br />
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​So, when the annual family pottery show started, it was combined with a blood drive.<br />
​"I think he'd be more proud of my blood drive. My daddy was a giving person, he always wanted to help somebody," Holly said.<br />
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Any healthy person 17 or older, or 16 with parental permission, weighing a minimum of 110 pounds may donate. A photo ID is also required. Ferguson's adopted daughter, Savannah Ferguson, plans to make her first blood donation at the event that is expected to attract more than 35 artists from the area and neighboring states.<br />
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"There are probably more than 40 potters living within 10 miles of here," Holly said. "And there will be at least five major shows going on the same day. We hope to draw donors from those also. Pottery is close community that reaches states away."<br />
