Local artists eyed for Carthage event

CARTHAGE — The Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce is bouncing around new ideas for next summer's Sounds of Summer concert series, including highlighting local artists.

"It gives them some exposure that they might not otherwise get," said Deborah J. Pierce, chamber co-treasurer.

The board said it would consider contacting local artists, painters, photographers and potters for next year's concerts.

The artists would set up in the area and work on their craft, giving the community a chance to meet local artists and perhaps even purchase local art. Adding local artists to the concert series may increase audience turnout, as well.

Executive Director Edie A. Roggie said the new ideas would be helpful when the chamber reapplies for grant funding through the St. Lawrence County Arts Council. The council awarded the chamber $2,700 toward this year's series.

"They like it if you have something fresh every year," Mrs. Roggie said.

The board also decided to keep the 2011 series at six concerts, instead of increasing the number. Since the series started in 2008, a concert has been added each year.

The chamber expects to bring back all of the acts that performed this year, except one. Orchard Drive, a rock band, was not received well by elderly audience members.