CC area

TCDP TOP PICK: If it's the arts, you pretty much name it, RAW is about seeing to it that, across the nation, emerging talents gets a shot at exposure. Along with what you'd expect—music, film, performance—the organization supports up-and-comers in fashion, modeling, hair, makeup, and photography. For the rest of summer and into fall they've set up shop to do it once a month at the Fine Line in downtown Minneapolis. This Thursday, the exhibit is Expressions, featuring some truly fascinating imagery you otherwise might not come across, particularly in the mainstream. All of it local, hand-picked for the occasion. Dress code is not your usual club fare. So, go into your closet for glad-rags that qualify as cocktail attire. - Dwight Hobbes

TCDP TOP PICK: Though those "Pass It On" billboards generally seem pretty useless (nothing against Mia Hamm, but can we maybe get Seimone Augustus up there?), it's hard not to feel genuinely inspired by the one featuring the guy who learned to read at 70. That's the kind of magic the Minnesota Literacy Council makes happen every day, and on May 22 you're invited to see first-hand as the organization's adult learners present their work at The Loft Literary Center. - Jay Gabler