“The entire atmosphere is filled with kind and creative teachers providing a safe space for kids to explore... ”
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.
“I love that Annika and her team create a story behind their artwork helping unleash children’s creativity and imagination.”
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 Drama and English program, Annika has used her creativity and imagination 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
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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 third 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 facilitator in 2022.
Danielle is passionate about the Arts; acting, music, writing and media creation. She hopes to travel the world, especially Europe where her family is from.
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.
A recent graduate of Toronto Academy of Acting for Media, she is also pursuing a career in Film and Television.
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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 joined Arts Unleashed in 2023 and brings her experience to the design and construction of parties, camps and class materials as well as facilitation in all programming.
She is the proud Momma to one dog!
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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.
A senior in High School, Charlotte hopes to go into teaching and recently completed a teaching coop, working with primary students.
The middle child with 2 sisters and a dog, Charlotte is a competitive soccer player and enjoys spending time with family, painting, drawing and working at Arts Unleashed.
Charlotte loves kids and helping them make their ideas a reality. She is also AU’s resident slime maker!
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Luxmy joined the AU team in the summer of 2025 and assists in classes, camps and parties.
A senior in High School, Luxmy aspires to work as a youth speech pathologist, and sees Arts Unleashed as great experience towards that goal. She loves that kids at AU have a space where they can broaden their imagination and be creative.
Luxmy enjoys painting and learning the piano, has one older brother and two sisters, and loves spending time with family and friends.
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Judae joined Arts Unleashed in 2025 as a Summer Camp leader.
The youngest of two older sisters, Judae is a volleyball LOSSA champion, who has been playing rep volleyball since she was 10.
Judae loves art and enjoys sharing creativity with the kids at Arts Unleashed.Outside of work she likes to stay active, hang out with friends, try new foods, and watch Jurassic Park movies.
“Staff are awesome & attentive to children’s needs, ensuring a safe & fun environment! ”
