By Julie Lawrence Special to OnMilwaukee.com Published Dec 15, 2008 at 4:32 PM

For some, this frigid weather is infuriating, and understandably so. But for others, icy temps can be inspiring, and when choosing winter as your muse, what better place is there to be than Wisconsin?

While some of us frown at the falling snow, Milwaukee artist, art coach and teacher Thea Kovac invites area creative types to a wintery workshop at the Riveredge Nature Center in Newberg.

"The Secret Life of Artists" workshop helps us discover how human creativity works and how to expand its place in our daily lives. Activities include a presentation on how the creative process follows seasons similar to those found in the natural world, discussion, nature walks, art making and private introspection.

The workshop fee is $55 and each registered guest should bring a writing instrument, a notebook, camera, a bag lunch and outdoor clothing. (Snowshoes will be provided for interested users.)

Kovac has conducted classes at MIAD, Cardinal Stritch University, MPS, The Clearing and through her artistic practice, The Lost Playground Studio.

To register, call Riveredge at (800) 287-8098 or go here.

Julie Lawrence Special to OnMilwaukee.com

OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Julie Lawrence grew up in Wauwatosa and has lived her whole life in the Milwaukee area.

As any “word nerd” can attest, you never know when inspiration will strike, so from a very early age Julie has rarely been seen sans pen and little notebook. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee it seemed only natural that she major in journalism. When OnMilwaukee.com offered her an avenue to combine her writing and the city she knows and loves in late 2004, she knew it was meant to be. Around the office, she answers to a plethora of nicknames, including “Lar,” (short for “Larry,” which is short for “Lawrence”) as well as the mysteriously-sourced “Bill Murray.”