In response to the ever-diminishing number of painting exhibitions compared to other mediums, Galerie Art Mur (5826 St-Hubert) is showcasing figurative works by 15 local and national artists. La Peinture figurativement contemporaine is out to counter the feeling that the term "contemporary painting" is an oxymoron. The show features work by a mix of established and younger artists such as David Elliott, Wanda Koop, Renée Duval, Kate Rusko and Fabrizio Perozzi.

Many of the artists' individual styles are already well known, yet the opportunity to view these artworks together is a satisfying experience that emphasizes their varied approaches. Using oils, acrylics, resin and tar on both wood and canvas support, the work reflects industrial, urban, suburban and natural views. Raphael Sottolichio's close-up of a disco ball hangs next to Eric Demers' pollution-inspired "Visiter les entrailles de la Terre." Clever black-and-white works by Richard Max Tremblay contrast with the brightly coloured hallucinogenic suburbs of Gary Evens. The works are unified - surprisingly, given the figurativeness of the show - by abstract elements used by all of the artists. Until April 5, 933-0711. : » Christine Redfern

Local multimedia collective Perpetual Productions are interested in relationships. Not so much in the Dear Abby/Dr. Phil way, more like the sound/movement and audience/performer variety. For the closing party of Concordia's Art Matters festival, the Perpetual crew (Melissa Weigel, Pamela Schneider and Dylan David Wagner) will be performing their latest show, Digitize, an innovative and playful two-part multimedia installation and performance that explores these relationships through a combination of video, dance and sound.

Their first interactive piece, entitled "DPM (Digital Puppet Moves) System," gives audience members access to a computer program that controls the installation's sound and subsequently the dancers' movements, allowing them to simultaneously create a choreography and musical score.

"We wanted to integrate dance, visuals, music and technology in a way that was fun and had a sense of humour," says Weigel. "By making the technological side accessible to people, we're hoping to reach a whole new audience that wouldn't normally be into this kind of performance."

Friday, March 21, 10–11 p.m. at the Musée contemporain. Closing party continues until 2 a.m. with DJ Stephen Beaupré and guests. :» Raf Katigbak

When you think about productions that feature singing and dancing, shows like Cats, or West Side Story may immediately jump to mind. It won't be that same song and dance, though, at l'Agora (840 Cherrier) when André Pappathomas's Choeur et Chorégraphes kicks off on March 25.

Musician-composer Pappathomas is the artistic director of the 16-member vocal group Mruta Mertsi. The ensemble mixes contemporary music with sacred music, and skillfully adds movement to the mix. Pappathomas founded the choir in 1993, looking to create a blend of sonorous and visual harmony. Pitching in for this performance are choreographers Pierre-Paul Savoie, Sylvain Émard, Lina Cruz, Guylaine Savoie and Alain Francoeur. Until March 29, 525-1500 to reserve. : » Marites Carino

Calling himself "The most famous unknown person you've ever met," the irrepressibly chipper Peter Green has been frequenting Montreal spoken word stages since 1995. His latest project is Smokeless Word, an all-ages (and indeed smoke-free) show set for tomorrow at the Maison de l'amitié (120 Duluth E.), a centre for refugees. Green explains, "A lot of my friends have children, and they're nonsmokers. They come to shows at bars and ask me, 'Where's a place I can go? Those places are all full of smoke.'" The Maison is allowing Green to produce the show, and in exchange he's incorporating the regular open mic talent spot for the regulars at the centre.

The show's MC Dave Ross will indulge in a little improv spoken word between sets. Green will read from his book, 99 % Pure White Light, there'll be dance with Emilie Olivier, local film-maker Andrea Sadler will sing and visual artist Emily Michaud will make her performance debut. March 21, 9 p.m., $5. It's also a shoeless show, so bring slippers! : » Vincent Tinguely

Less is more: The five-line portrait is a training tool in many an art-and-design school. Limitation is a great teacher, says conventional wisdom, and trying to represent yourself in such a simple structure puts extra focus on each choice and detail. Someone in cyberspace has rounded a whole collection of this Zen in the art of portraiture. The site, www.the5line.com, has hundreds of five-liners, some chock-full of character, some not so much. Inspired? You too can add your face to the crowd by submitting your sketched likeness to the ever-growing collection. :

Musings on melting: Rachel Echenberg has been pitting her body heat against the winter cold since January, doing things like lying motionless on public benches and dragging ice blocks around and melting snowballs with her mouth. She concludes the process with Fondre, a performance at La Centrale (460 Ste-Catherine W., #506), on March 22, 4 p.m. • Canvas cure: The fruits of art therapy - paintings and photos by women from the Herstreet women's shelter - are on display at La Maison Olga (1050 Jeanne-Mance) until March 23. Vernissage tonight, March 20, 5 p.m. • Arte de los Americas: Part of multicultural shebang Festivalissimo, the Art Feria features work from Mexican, Brazilian and Honduran artists. It continues in the south tower of Place Alexis Nihon (3400–3500 de Maisonneuve W.), 24 hours a day until March 28. • Champ Libre opens electronic art event C!ME, with five artists' takes on Mount Royal's imprint on our city, March 26, 6 p.m., in aptly cross-shaped Place Ville-Marie's main hall. Runs until March 28. :

Artistat: Price of each of the 99 artworks created by one of 99 artists for Observatoire 4 gallery's fundraising fiesta, Wednesday, March 26, 5–9 p.m. (372 Ste-Catherine W., #426): $99 :

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