AUGUSTA -- The Leo Marcus Memorial Mile of Art on Saturday will honor David Smith, a Readfield metal artist who transformed copper wire, tubing and sheet metal into art.

Smith, diagnosed with lung cancer, died last November from complications.

The art show will be held from noon until 5 p.m. along the University of Maine Nature & Fitness Path. A rain date is set for Aug. 3.

"He did so much for the Mile of Art," said Mary Jackson, chairwoman of the Leo Marcus Memorial Mile of Art Committee.

"He used to be there at five in the morning to help everyone out before the artists came to set up. Even after they came in, he was there for anyone who needed help. Last year, when he was sick, he put in the same amount of time and looked as pale as a ghost. He definitely deserves memorializing."

Penny Markley, a Winthrop artist, said Smith was an enthusiastic supporter of the Mile of Art. He took over as the committee chairman, she said, when she stepped down. And for the last few years, he did the bulk of the work for the event, including last year, when he was much sicker than anyone realized.

"We all miss him and are grateful that his wife, Maryann, is working with the Mile of Art Committee to keep the festival going that he enjoyed so much," Markley said.

Joe Brandt, a painter from Windsor who serves on the committee, said he was impressed with Smith's dedication and willingness to give of himself.

"His sincerity and drive to make the Mile of Art a success will forever leave his mark in the history of this event," Brandt said. "It was an honor to work with David."

Jackson said the annual summer event is a gold mine of opportunity for artists in Kennebec County and surrounding areas to show their "hidden-for-too-long" talents for free.

She said the work of 56 artists is displayed on the beautiful winding one-mile woody footpath behind the college. Motorized carts will be available for those unable to walk the path.

The average turn-out for the show is about 2,000 people. But this year she expects more.

"We have 12 more artists in the show than last year, and the advertising has been better this year," Jackson said.

Children get in for free and vendors will be on hand to sell food and refreshments, she said.

This year, four musical groups will be performing, including Assistant Professor Russ Lombardi's CafŽ Ensemble with an eclectic mix of classic jazz standards. Donations help support the Charles Dana Danforth Art Scholarship, she said.

"When you go into a gallery a lot of people can't afford it," she said. "They don't have the money. But here you can see all 56 artists' work for a dollar and it's a beautiful walk."

Mechele Cooper -- 623-3811, Ext. 408

mcooper@centralmaine.com