On April 22, people around the world will recognize Earth Day with events that celebrate our planet. Here are three ways you can celebrate Earth Day in St. Louis with the arts this weekend and next.

"Peace in the Prairie" by Saint Louis Story Stitchers Artists Collective

Join Saint Louis Story Stitchers Artists Collective in Forest Park to celebrate Earth Day with performances, activities and an outdoor film screening. Saint Louis Story Stitchers, a past grantee of the Arts and Education Council, presents “Peace in the Prairie”, an original film exploring the concepts of peace and violence, juxtaposing urban life as experienced by African American people living in St. Louis, Missouri and the state’s endangered prairie lands. “Peace in the Prairie”, a film six years in the making, asks, “Is the path towards peace through Missouri’s native prairies?”

Friday, April 22 | 10:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. at the World’s Fair Pavilion | Free | Learn more

Please note the film is Rated PG-13 for references to violence.

Rustic Roots Earth Day Spring Celebration

Rustic Roots Sanctuary, an Arts and Education Council grantee, creates access to fresh, organic, locally grown food in Promise Zones. Through the Arts and Education Council’s Arts and Healing Initiative, Rustic Roots is encouraging healing through the arts with a focus on culinary arts. Earth Day is the perfect time to see their farm in Spanish Lake and learn about their upcoming community events.

In honor of the Earth, Rustic Roots is asking attendees to bring a place setting, drink bottle or cup and reusable shopping bag. Every person who brings their own will be given a raffle ticket to win a $50 gift card given away at the end of the event.

Saturday, April 23 | 12:00-5:00 p.m. at Rustic Roots Sanctuary | Free | Learn more

Riverbend Earth Day in Alton, Illinois

Keep the Earth Day celebrations going into next week at Riverbend Earth Day in Alton, Illinois. Guests can peruse booths from over 40 local artisans and community organizations like Arts and Education Council grantee Jacoby Arts Center and enjoy live music from Earth Sounds, Salt of the Earth and Raw Earth. From pottery and jewelry to native plants and baked goods, there will be something for everyone!

Saturday, April 30 | 11:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at Old Bakery Beer Co. | Free | Learn more

Will you make a gift to the Arts and Education Council today? Your gift furthers our ability to invest in organizations like Rustic Roots Sanctuary, Saint Louis Story Stitchers and Jacoby Arts Center that make the bi-state region a more vibrant arts community for all.

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