Let's hear it for the toys

"Designer-made object" boutique and gallery Madame Edgar launches the latest issue of its "interactive magazine" PaperJam this month with Playground, an exhibition based on the issue's theme: toys and games. Artists and designers from here and abroad will showcase their stuff, including notables like Singapore's LMAC, currently touring the world with Gehemon Zombies, figurines they've created and had re-designed by artists and designers like Colette, Rotofugi, and Reebok. Crazy creatures from San Francisco's Attaboy and figurines from Australia's Jeremyville will also make an appearance.

On the local tip, Quebec's "Super Big International Design Company" Zupton presents its adult-themed plush toy Hubert the Sperm, alongside stuff by Karine Fournier, Leyla Majeri and Melinda Pap. And finally, Madame Edgar, itself an offshoot of local design firm Mr. Edgar, unveils a figurine of its own, Nada, designed by Mélanie Baillairgé. Playground opens tonight, Aug, 11, at 6 p.m., and runs through Sept. 18 at 6370 St-Hubert. » Mark Slutsky

Can you dig it?

You can get down and dirty in a purely wholesome and educational way over the next few weeks, because August has been declared Quebec Archaeology Month. More than 50 museums and archeological sites across the province are open to the public, offering opportunities to participate in digs, chat with experts and generally have a grand old time rooting through the ruins of the past. Highlights around town include a talk by UdeM archeologist Christian Bélanger entitled, "Searching for the Origins of Montreal's Birthplace," at Pointe-à-Callière Museum (350 Place Royale), Aug. 14 at 2 p.m. You can also observe a dig in progress at the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum (400 St-Paul E.) and explore "The City Under the City" with a free archeological tour of Montreal's original downtown. For more info on events taking place this month, check out www.archeoquebec.com or call 1-877-BONJOUR. » Mark Slutsky

Souksational

The word "Orient" may be a bit dated these days as a way to refer to the countries of the Middle-East and Asia, but that didn't stop organizers of the fourth Montreal Oriental Festival from delving into the mysteries of the region. The centrepiece of the event, which runs until Aug. 15 at Marché Bonsecours (325 de la Commune E.), is the Rencontre Québec-Orient des métiers d'art in the form of a souk, or Arab market. In addition to displays of artisanship, the festival features storyteller Myriame El Yamani recounting the tale of Sheherezade, a couscous contest and a traditional fashion show. Also look for moves from Romanian troupe Hora, Russians Rousskiye Uzory and contestants in the Miss Belly Dancer contest. Nightly events start at 6 p.m. and cost $5; ($3 before 5 p.m.). For details, visit www.orexpo.ca. » Mark Slutsky

Chile reception

Endre Farkas' invitation to celebrate literary lion Pablo Neruda's 100th birthday inspired a series of performative prose-poem vignettes, Proem Cards From Chile. "The letter I received invited ‘honoured poets' to attend - raising the central question of the role of the poet," Farkas explains. "What started out as a free trip became a journey, and then a quest." He's joined by Chilean-born activist, freedom fighter and poet Elias Letelier, who'll present a fiery mix of politicized work in English, Spanish and French, and Swift Years, who'll be rocking the house with some rootsy global folk stylings. Friday, Aug. 12, 8 p.m. at La Petite Gaule (2525 Centre, Charlevoix metro), $5. » Vincent Tinguely

Is it Art?

I FEEL A SONG .COMING ON: Gee, it'd sure be great if you could learn to sing without a lot of hassle. But professional vocal coaches can be a real budget buster! And who has time to schedule yet another appointment in their busy work day? Wouldn't it be easier if someone - or something - in your home, available at your convenience, and coldly judgemental without being mean, could teach you how to sing? What if your singing coach was... your computer?

Well, guess what - it can be! The SingingCoach (available through www.carryatune.com) is a new piece of software loaded with lessons and featuring a super high-tech voice analyzer that rates your caterwauling on a scale from 1 to 100. Now every e-mail-checking session can turn into an impromptu American Idol episode!

ArtsHole

ART AS A FIRST LANGUAGE: Students at the International Language School of Canada, as part of their curriculum, took inspiration from the museums and culture of Montreal to create a variety of artwork. Their sculptures, prints, paintings, and poems will be on display at the ILSC (1134 Ste-Catherine W., 8th floor), at a vernissage on Friday, Aug. 12, noon to 1 p.m. • JIMMYTALK: As part of Studio 303's ongoing Intimate Artist Talks, globetrotting writer/actor/director Marie Brassard (of Jimmy fame) will be sharing her experiences on Monday, Aug. 15, at 8 p.m., $5. That's at Studio 303 (372 Ste-Catherine W., #303).

ARTISTAT: Number of years designer Jack Lenor Larsen spent assembling the textile and fibre collection, on display at the Musée des Beaux-Arts until Aug. 21: 50

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