When he isn’t tending to his expansive garden, Bill Pinkham is in his studio making pottery.

The former owner of Smithfield Gardens has so many duties around the house and yard, he says, that he doesn’t have much time for volunteer work. But he’s still doing his part for the community — 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of his pottery goes to a nonprofit organization every year.

“This is a way I have of giving back,” Pinkham said. “It’s kind of an addiction.”

The first year Pinkham gave away his the money he made on pottery sales, it was to Habitat for Humanity. That organization received about $2,000.

This year, the Western Tidewater Free Clinic is slated to receive the money. He’s already got about $9,500 in profits so far this year.

An “open studio” event today and tomorrow is his customers’ last chance to purchase pottery and have all the proceeds go to the free clinic. Next year, he plans to give to an environmental organization.

“There’s nothing any more important than what’s happening to the planet,” Pinkham said.

In his studio on Friday, Pinkham looked around at the dozens of pieces he has prepared. There are large ones and small ones, flower planters and decorative pieces, stoneware pieces and ceramic works.

Not surprising, considering his hobby and former business, many of the pieces are designed either for growing flowers or to decorate a garden.

“So much of what I do looks good in the garden,” Pinkham said.

The free clinic is an important cause, he added, and he would like to be able to give at least $10,000. Some of his work will be marked down this weekend, he added.

Pinkham also recently started a website, www.pinkhampottery.com. For more information about this weekend’s event, call 238-2505 or visit the website.