Since our session, I am feeling hopeful and happy for the first time in a long time. And, I am really connecting with my power animal (otter)! I am grateful to have had our time together. read more

I first found LFAE in 2014 in a lucky online search, and have enjoyed them ever since. I moved away from Chicago in 2016, but continue to support them whenever I can. Now that everything has gone online, it's gotten even easier to enjoy their offerings again. Thank you LFAE and especially Joan! read more

I have enjoyed immensely the two classes I have participated in at Life Force Arts Ensemble. I have always wanted to study Shamanism. I really enjoy working with energy and Spirit in new ways. It is a safe space which allowed me to connect to energy and creativity in ways I had not explored before. I had heard great reviews of Joan Forest Mage via word of mouth from others. I was elated when her classes went online so I could participate about 1100 miles from Chicago. I will give myself the gift of Life Force Arts Ensemble again. read more

I participated in an intensive in order to get more in touch with my internal dialogue and explore areas that may have been dormant. I found the group with whom I was working in this intensive was wonderful in supporting and in enabling each other to explore our inner selves and to share (when comfortable to do so) what came up for each of us and to assist each other in our growth. We worked through imaging, meditation, writing, and conversation. The self-work that we did was then brought into the Life Force Arts Ensemble's performance that ended the intensive. The performance went to the heart of everything we had been exploring and moved me in wonderful and personal ways. Thank you to LFAE for a very worthwhile and spirit/life-enhancing experience. read more

I'm not a space cadet (swear)...but....if I had time I would hang out at places like this all day. Meditation, rocks, crystals, incense, books, soothing music...bring it. What can I say, I believe this world is magical. Unfortunately I have to work. But lucky for me they had a psychic "faire" on Valentines Day Saturday which fit into my flexible VDay schedule perfectly. Love the place, the psychic faire was just okay. But that's probably mostly because I got too impatient to wait for the psychic I wanted to see and ended up going with this guy that was reading Tarot and way into rocks, and I wasn't really in the mood for that. He was okay and all, but I knew he was going to be all Law of Attraction-y and I didn't need to pay someone $20 to restate the Law of Attraction. Maybe I did, I don't know, a reminder never hurts. He was a nice man. They have another psychic "faire" (I really wish they would take off the "e") in April. In the meantime list of some classes they offer is below. Also they have a good selection of new age-y books for $5 each. Nice, peaceful place to check in if you are in the area, or to donate your spiritual books. I think Guy Spiro, who works with the free publication "The Monthly Aspectarian" teaches there or leads meditation or something. Check the website but here is a sample of classes. Its just fun to shake things up a bit, go consult the shamen or whatever. Go find your animal spirit guide. Possible classes: Shamanism,Totem Animal Ceremonies,Reiki,Meditation,Expressive Arts Chakra Toning,Sound Healing,Energy work,Children's classes,Mythology,Leadership for Community Builders,Witchschool Goddess Art History read more

I had a book launch at Life Force for Brigit, Sun of Womanhood. The arrangements ahead of time were painless and professional. The set up was in the spirit of Brigit and the altar was just right. The combination of what was already there and the flexibility of bringing more material in was welcome. The space was both expansive and intimate in feeling. Joan was a treat to work with. The location and parking were fine. The audience was sensitive to the topic with good questions and comments. I would definitely consider having another event there. read more

Great Place!! I took the LFAST Shamanic Training back in 2018-2019 and got through 3 Levels. Already having a background in bodywork, energy healing and intuitive development, I wanted to deepen my practice so I took this course. I also wanted to connect with my own power animal, spirit guides, create sacred space and learn how to do journey's and give soul retrievals for deeper healing. And I got all of that and more! Joan is a great teacher! A great Shaman! She knows her stuff! She really cares and made it easy to go deeper and to do healing work (on myself or for others) because she was able to hold a safe space for that to occur. It's hard to put into words because you have to experience it for yourself, but I was able to develop, connect, and create a relationship with my own team of spirit guides and power animal, which has probably helped me most because they're always with me and I now have the tools because of this class to connect with them whenever I want...to help me with my life, my healing or my clients healing. I Highly Recommend this course. One of my favorites at LFAF!! read more

I have always enjoyed the classes at Life Force Arts Center. Every class I have ever took here has ended up causing a profound change in my life in some way. Joan is an excellent teacher! She is also wonderful at soul retrieval. I have referred others to her for soul retrieval and they were very surprised on how much she was able to learn about them in a session and the after effects they experienced. read more

I've been going to events and taking classes at Life Force Arts Center for about a year now. If you're in any way interested or pondering the magical and mysterious this is the place for you. It's a Good place with Good people who are knowledgeable about connecting art and spirit and who know how to teach those who are open to it. I'm so glad I finally went there after years of thinking about it while walking by. It was just what I needed. read more

Life Force Arts is a fantastic community of individuals. They have a regularly updated calendar with events and classes at least several times a week and covering a whole range of subjects, from shamanism to astrology to movement and vocalizing. Joan, the owner and head instructor, is a fantastic teacher and an amazingly thoughtful individual who has a knack for welcoming any new folks into the LFAC community. Highly recommended to anyone interested in self-exploration and improvement, metaphysics, and/or the intersection of art and spirituality. read more

The meeting space at Life Force Arts Center is a great place to rent for an event. My son's Marine Officer Commissioning Ceremony took place there. It was perfect for us: easy to get to, easy to find parking on the street or in the 2 nearby public parking lots, and a variety of restaurants within easy walking distance. The meeting space is beautiful, newly decorated, with lovely hardwood floors, and very clean. It rents for about $35 or $40 per hour....extremely affordable!! Folding chairs are available for your event, along with a few long display tables if you need them, a podium, and a few other conveniences. There is a beautiful gift shop / gallery in the front of the center, featuring handmade jewelry, art work, stationery, books, wearable art, and other unique items. The meeting space is great for just about any kind of an event. It will especially appeal to dance and yoga teachers, people teaching seminars of various kinds especially as relates to spirituality or the sacred arts...but i can easily see just about any kind of general or family celebration taking place there.. You can see pictures of the meeting space at http://www.lifeforcearts.org/welcome.htm read more

With Life Force Arts Center, Joan has created a much-needed space for exploration inwardly and outwardly. The combination of various art forms with spirituality (also in various forms!) deepens both the aesthetic and spiritual dimensions. The soulful care that goes into assembling the works of art for each gallery show is palpable. Joan's courses are very enjoyable, challenging and freeing. Her one-to-one sessions have provided me with much to grow with. I recommend a visit, because it won't be the last one you make to Life Force Arts Center. read more

I went to the LFAC on Thurs Aug 11. I had a wonderful experience. Not only is it a nice art gallery but it is also where Joan does her Shamanic Healing Process and teaches Shamanic healing. She is a wonderful person and does a wonderful job. I have known her for 40 years and would highly recommend her. read more

I love this place. The people are friendly and workshops are so variegated and wonderful. There are so many events, I wish I could go to them all. The art is absolutely life changing and breathtaking. I like that it's not just a rental hall but a community of people coming together to make the world a better place. read more