Parching art

Streetfests, collective canvases, celebrity photos, Silophones and more

by EVE MACLAUREN

First up: Outdoor art

Nuit Blanche sur Tableau Noir June 15-18

For the next four days there is a visual arts festival running along Mont-Royal from St-Hubert to Papineau. Tonight (June 15), 53 artists draw on the street between St-Hubert and Papineau starting at 9:30 p.m. Tomorrow (June 16) starting at noon, there is a photography exhibit and peinture en direct at Place Gérald-Godin next to the metro Mont-Royal. Storefront art displays, exhibitions, the creation of a mural and art discussions at the Van Houtte daily at 5 p.m. round out the event. Info: 522-2229

Le Festival des arts du village June 24-July 4

Head to the gay village, where 150-200 artists working in every medium will converge. Ste-Catherine will be closed between Amherst and Papineau starting on June 30, and an open-air exhibition of work by 80 artists will take place from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., July 1-3. Other events include plays at the Théatre National, auctions, food, exhibitions and more. Info: 525-4545

D'Un Millénaire àl'autre Until October

An exciting summer exhibit in nine outdoor public spaces and 11 Maisons de la culture by 70 contemporary artists. For info call 87-Acces #631 or visit www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/maisons.

Silo #5, Monstrosity or Architectural Masterpiece? June 29-December 3

At the Centre d'histoire de Montréal, 335 Place d'Youville, an exhibition examines the structure, function, silos and future of the 1906 grain elevator that dominates the Old Port. This exhibition coincides with Silophone, a millennium project that the Reform Party's heritage critic complained about, so it must be good. For one year the grain elevator becomes an instrument. Sounds are broadcast into the silo, transformed by its acoustics, recorded and rebroadcast in the public park in front of the building and around the world on the Internet, 24 hours a day. Anyone can contribute sounds through a Canada-wide telephone line or via the Web (www.silophone.com). Also, don't miss the chance to visit Grain elevator #5B, open for the first time on a limited basis for guided tours by Héritage Montréal.

When it rains

Sam Lévin, Photographer of the Stars May 17-September 10

Want to stare at famous film stars and not have to deal with attitude? Head to the Cinémathèque québécoise. Born in Russia, Lévin opened a photography studio in Paris during the 1930s and worked with most famous French filmmakers of his day. Between 1930 and his death in 1992, he photographed over 6,000 European and international celebrities, including Jean Gabin, Brigitte Bardot, Orson Welles, Maurice Chevalier and Ava Gardner. Info: 842-9768

Play Ball Montreal: A Century of Baseball in Quebec Until October 22

What is summertime in Montreal without baseball? When the Expos are playing out of town get your baseball fix at the McCord Museum. Increase your passion for the game and its history before it's too late... Info: 398-7100

Phase One: 1999 North American Tour, Live Painting Series June 29 to August 20

In the summer of 1999, painter Gene Starship, graphic designer Tyler Gibney and graffiti artist Dan Buller worked simultaneously on 6 x 6 foot canvases at live jazz, hip hop and techno events throughout North America. A selection of canvases from this Montreal-based Heavyweight collective will be exhibited at the Liane and Danny Taran Gallery at the Saidye Bronfman Centre for the Arts. Vernissage June 29, 6-10 p.m. at the Saidye, then the party moves to Club Soda at midnight for a live painting performance. The performances will continue throughout the Jazz Fest as part of the Midnight DJ series. Call 739-2301 for details.

get outta town

Une Expérience de l'art du siècle May 26-October 1

Stinking hot? Hop in a car and go for a 50-minute ride to the Musée d'art de Joliette. One piece of art has been selected from their collection to mark each year from 1900 to 2000. An additional 100 works are displayed to better examine the different movements that developed throughout the century. Info: (450) 756-0311 :