“Imagination is a Super Power! ”
Arts Unleashed began in Director Annika Kim’s living room in 2013 as a week of camp to entertain her children. One week of messy painting, recycled prop creation, character building, costumes, and creativity unleashed an excitement and imagination that was so powerful it could not be stopped. Even with all the present technology, there was still a hunger for hands-on, sit on the floor, get messy engagement.
The Arts Unleashed experience and Storytelling Art was born!
Storytelling Art invites young people to explore art by unleashing the power of their own imagination. Creating with a variety of unique and exciting materials, artists build confidence through complete creative freedom. Mini sets, pictures, props, costume pieces and backdrops. Everything we do inspires conversation, stories and engagement.
We know a child’s imagination is limitless.
Imagine the confidence when they know it too.
OUR TEAM
ANNIKA KIM
Director
A proud mother of two children, and a handful of animals, Annika is passionate about people and community building. A graduate of the University of Toronto Theatre and Drama Studies program, Annika used her creativity and imagination while teaching ESL abroad and in Canada.
With a love of children and endless energy, Annika draws on her background in Theatre and a decade spent living in South Korea, teaching and developing ESL programming for all ages, to create engaging arts experiences for young people.
An active volunteer in the school community, Annika has served as her local school’s Parent Council Co-Chair and she received the 2019 ‘Volunteer of Distinction’ award from the Durham District School Board.
Annika loves getting outside, spending time in nature with her family and pets, as well as cooking, painting, reading, and dancing in the studio with Michelle!
Our Mission
To build confidence in young people through the power of their imagination
OUR TEAM
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Studio Manager at Arts Unleashed, Michelle has been working with AU since 2015, facilitating and planning all aspects of programming, in-studio, and behind the scenes.
A mother of twin girls, a dog, and two cats, Michelle brings her experience working in Early Childhood Education to our young artists and her love of creativity and children to all aspects of Arts Unleashed. An ongoing volunteer with the DDSB, Michelle was the 2020 recipient of the Volunteer of Distinction Award.
She enjoys walking, reading, creating, cooking, baking, and dancing at home and in the studio with Annika!
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Sadie first came to Arts Unleashed as a camper in 2016, a volunteer in 2019 and is now one of AU’s Lead Facilitators.
A first year University student, Sadie is passionate about movement, creativity, trying new things, and loves being outside. She is a big sister to twin brothers and a cat.
Sadie has spent time living in Greece, excels at most sports and was the recipient of the Athlete of the Year in 2023!
She loves working with kids at Arts Unleashed to unlock new creative paths for them and in herself. Sadie is hopeful to one day travel the world.
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Danielle is an original Arts Unleashed camper, and one of the first to experience the AU process in 2013. She has been a camper, a Drama student, and a volunteer, before joining us as a class assistant in 2022.
A Senior in High School, Danielle is passionate about the Arts; acting, music, writing and media creation. She is a member of her school’s Leadership, Athletic, and Music Councils and appeared in this year’s Production of Matilda the Musical.
Danielle is outgoing and loves spending time outside in nature, wellness, and working with kids. She loves animals and has a few cats and a dog.
She hopes to pursue a career in Film Production/ Acting and visit countries from her background.
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A graduate of the Ontario College of Art & Design, Laura has a wide range of creative experience from starting her own Jewelry Business - Peace, Love & Jewelry - to furniture building, sewing (she made her own wedding dress!), videography, wood burning and weaving.
A world traveler, Laura participated in an Exchange to the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland in 2014, and has traveled to over 30 countries. She hopes to visit many more.
Laura is the newest member of our team and an incredible asset - bringing her skills and creativity to the design and construction of parties, camps and class materials as well as facilitation in all programming.
A proud Momma to one dog, we’re excited to have Laura on the AU Team.
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Rebecca began as a Summer Camp volunteer in 2022, and now assists in classes, camps and birthday parties.
A grade 12 student, Rebecca is president of her school Environmental Council and a competitive soccer player. She has two little sisters - one is Charlotte who also works at Arts Unleashed - and a dog.
Next year in University, Rebecca will pursue French studies to become an elementary school teacher. She loves working with kids and gaining experience towards her future career.
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Charlotte first came to Arts Unleashed as a camper in 2016. After volunteering for Summer Camps in 2022, she became an employee in 2023, assisting with classes, camps and parties.
Charlotte is the middle child with 2 sisters and a dog. A competitive soccer player, Charlotte enjoys spending time with family, painting, drawing and working at Arts Unleashed.
Charlotte loves kids and helping them make their ideas a reality! She also loves organizing the paint sticks.
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Starting at AU as a Summer Camp volunteer in 2021, Grace returned as a camp assistant for March Break Camp in 2023 and continues to be an enthusiastic member of the AU team!
A Grade 11 student, Grace loves to get engaged in her community and interact with new people. Her passions include nature and spending time outdoors, summer camp, music, books and theatre! She starred as Miss. Honey is her school’s production of Matilda the Musical.
As someone who really enjoys working and interacting with kids, Grace loves getting to hear their ideas and passions each week and looks forward to contributing to a positive environment where creativity and confidence grows!
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The youngest member of our team, Kate started volunteering at Arts Unleashed for Summer Camps 2023 and later joined us as a party assistant.
Kate loves art, reading, music and nature. She has two sisters, is super close to her family, and loves her grandparents’ dog dearly.
Kate loves to work with kids and strives to create a positive environment so others can find their own passion for art!
“I can’t say enough good things about this place. It’s extremely well managed, the staff is friendly and the programs are wonderful for kids’ confidence. My kids came home every day so excited and happy. ”
