Check out these art events, happening this week in Charlotte and the surrounding area.

RAW: Natural Born Artists present Spectrum at Tremont Music Hall: Giving artists an outlet for showcasing their many talents - from art, photography, fashion to music, performance art and more - RAW is an organization that has expanded to more than 60 cities worldwide. The Charlotte chapter hosts its Spectrum show at Tremont Music Hall on Thursday. To check out who is going to be there, visit www.rawartists.org/charlotte. $20. April 17, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tremont Music Hall, 400 West Tremont Ave. 704-343-9494. www.tremontmusichall.com.

Rippin Art Show at Black Sheep Skate Shop: Philly-based illustrator Thom Lessner isn't shy with his pen. His artwork depicts human beings and other creatures in a raw, cartoon-like fashion. He often pursues rock 'n' roll stars and pop icons as material for his drawings, which may or may not be flattering to those being portrayed. His work has a parody feel, and has been featured in magazines like Revolver, Rolling Stone, London-based Dazed and Confused, Philadelphia Magazine and The Metro. It seems like Lessner is picking fun, but these aren't comic strips - though we'd totally read them if they were. Black Sheep Skate Shop's upcoming Rippin Art Show will showcase Lessner's drawings and screen prints. Also check out local artist Jason Waters' prints, drawings, paintings and stickers. Food trucks and music from DJ Animate, too. Reception on April 18, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Free admission. Black Sheep Skate Shop, 1504 Camden Road, Suite 200. 704-333-1423. www.blacksheepnc.com.

Brush & Beats at Charlotte Art League: Watch artists paint and mingle in the studios of Charlotte Art League. The freshly created artwork will be for sale. All artists are invited to bring their own canvas and paints to join in the merriment. There will be live music, too. CAL's current exhibit, Spring Into Art, features works from more than 50 local & regional artists. Free admission. April 18, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Charlotte Art League, 1517 Camden Road. 704-376-2787. www.charlotteartleague.org.