LIFE FORCE ARTS FOUNDATION (LFA) combines the ancient spiritual practice of shamanism with the visual, literary and performing arts to create healing rituals for self, society, nature and spirit. Based on the Creative Community Medicine Wheel, LFA workshops and performances contribute to spiritual wholeness through skills of communication, energy work and empowerment of the soul. Life Force Arts Foundation is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c) 3 organization that offers programs for the general public as well as professional training for practitioners of the shamanic arts. LFA founder and director Joan Forest Mage conducts many of the workshops and performances. Programs by nationally known shamanic artists are also presented.

Joan Forest Mage, the founder and director of the Life Force Arts Foundation, is honored to serve as a shamanic healer, educator and performing artist in her hometown of Chicago. A Certified Movement Analyst (Laban Institute), she has studied shamanism, energy work and healing ritual with numerous teachers and organizations, is a member of the Society for Shamanic Practitioners and has worked as a shamanic healer since 1995, performing over 500 soul retrieval healings. Joan has thirty years of professional performing and teaching experience as a dancer, singer and theater performer, and is the head of Life Force Ensemble, a shamanic world music band and performing company. Joan has a Master of Arts Degree in Applied Professional Studies from School for New Learning, DePaul University, with the focus area “Creating Healing Ritual Through the Arts.” Joan has taught workshops and training programs in the arts and body movement since 1985, and in shamanism since 1996.

We have some exciting news at Life Force Arts Foundation -

We are planning to open a center for Shamanic Art & Culture!

To be called Life Force Arts Center, it will include visual, literary and performing art. We define shamanic as "working with spirit guides". Our Center will present dance, theater, music, performance art, authors and visual artists who work in such traditions as shamanic, Goddess, Earth-centered, visionary, angels, or any spiritually uplifting forms.

The Center will have shamanic and spiritual workshops and individual healing sessions. The space will also be available for rentals to such groups as spiritual organizations, healers, dance or theater rehearsals, etc.

There will be a gift shop to sell artwork, music CD's, books and other products of the artists, teachers and healers who present at our Center, as well as a limited amount of general spiritual merchandise (sage, incense, candles, etc.).

We have located a beautiful space in the Lakeview area of Chicago, at 1113 W. Belmont that we are currently negotiating to rent. This location features a 1500 square foot performance/workshop space and a smaller room for individual healing sessions and small group activities.

It is conveniently located near public transportation, including the Belmont "L" station. There is some street parking and we are looking into making arrangements with parking lots in the area for people who drive.

The actual date of the space on Belmont opening will be in October or November, but we will be planning activities starting in August to inaugurate our new "Shamanic Community Center"! If for some reason we do not lease the space at 1113 W Belmont, we will look for another space in the same area.

A Center like this arises because of the need of the community. I'm excited to hear from you! Let me know if you are interested in offering workshops, performances, book signings, visual art exhibits; in doing healing sessions; in renting space for workshops, meetings, healing sessions and other activities.

To become a Member of Life Force Arts Center please click here.

We'd love to hear from you! Please contact me at mageworkshops@yahoo.com or 312-642-1811.

We appreciate prayers and good energy for the total success of this new Light Center in Chicago!

Thanks so much,

Joan