What's the word "earth" without "art?" It's just "eh."

Recognizing that art is an integral part of Earth Day, organizers of this year's festivities in Maple Ridge are putting out a call for local artists.

Are you an artist or part of an art group?

Do you dance, sing, act, or play a musical instrument?

Are you a writer? Do you belong to a cultural organization?

Want to be part of a unique event and help save the earth at the same time?

The Earth Day planning committee is forging connections between the arts and the environment to highlight Maple Ridge Earth Day's 2013 theme - "Earth Arts" and lead up to BC Arts & Culture Week.

Earth Day festivities will take place on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the ACT Arts Centre & Theatre and Peace Memorial Park in Maple Ridge.

Building on the success of this year's anniversary event, Ridge Meadows Recycling is once again stepping into the role of lead coordinator, working closely with the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Arts Council and the Haney Farmers Market to bring together individuals from environmental, community, arts, and business organizations to form the 2013 Earth Day planning committee.

"Like creativity, everyone has varying degrees of environmental awareness," says Earth Day 2013 coordinator Leanne Koehn.

"This event is ideal for bringing everyone together. One of the highlights of Earth Day 2012 was the entertainment - roving performers, stage acts, and flash mobs brought colour and life to the venue. For 2013 we are working to expand on that and incorporate all genres of art - visual, performing, literary, and more."

On Thursday, Jan. 10, from 7 to 9 p.m., there will be a special event at The ACT Arts Centre & Theatre to connect artists & arts groups with environmental groups.

From there, individuals and groups can work together or on their own to develop interactive or hands-on activities, art, or performances for Earth Day 2013. Cash prizes will be given out for the best fusions of the arts and the environment.

"Usually, art is inspiring and environmental groups are known for taking action. For this event, we are tapping the passion, issues, and messaging of local environmental groups as inspiration for local artists and arts groups to translate and present environmental topics in a whole new light," said Koehn.

"Maple Ridge, as shown in the recent cultural mapping project, is full of artists. Bringing them to the forefront of Earth Day will highlight their presence, talents, and ability to create powerful messaging on important topics. The Social Chicks will also present a social media workshop designed specifically for artists in late January as part of the lead up to Earth Day festivities."

All artists and arts groups are welcome to attend a Jan. 10 event, which will include appetizers courtesy of Big Feast Bistro. People must RSVP to Landrie Davies at landried@mract.org by Thursday, Jan. 3.