Creative Art Programs for Kids in Pickering
About Arts Unleashed
Arts Unleashed is a children’s creative arts studio in Pickering, Ontario, dedicated to nurturing imagination, confidence, and self-expression in kids ages 2–10. Founded by Annika, our studio blends process art, sensory play, and storytelling into hands-on experiences that go far beyond a finished project, because here, the making is the magic.
How Arts Unleashed Began
Love What You Do
“The entire atmosphere is filled with kind and creative teachers providing a safe space for kids to explore… ”
— Shilpa, Camp Parent
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.
Partners in Imagination
Meet The 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!
We Are On A Creative Mission
To build confidence in young people through the power of their imagination
Charlotte
Charlotte first came to Arts Unleashed as a camper in 2016. After volunteering for Summer Camps in 2022, she became an employee in 2023.
In the fall, Charlotte will be attending Trent University to study French teaching and play on the Women’s varsity soccer team. In 2025 she 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!
Luxmy
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.
Danielle
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, photography and film production. She hopes to travel the world, especially Europe where her family is from.
Danielle is outgoing and loves spending time outside in nature, being with friends, reading, and working with kids. She loves animals and has a few cats and a dog.
A recent graduate of Toronto Academy of Acting, she is also pursuing a career in Film and Television.
Katelyn
Katelyn joined AU in May 2026, fresh from completing her first year as a student of Trent Durham Psychology and Teachers Education Stream. She plans to become an elementary school teacher.
Katelyn brings a range of child-related experience from running her own art camp for neighbours during covid to working as a camp counsellor, kids volleyball coach, and as an elementary co-op student!
Katelyn loves watercolour painting, drawing, reading and playing volleyball in her free time. She has a younger brother, 2 cats and a dog, loves to travel and hopes to live in BC one day. She is so happy to be joining AU’s community of creative instructors!
Carine
Carine joined the AU team in March 2026. A senior in High School, she hopes to pursue a career as a pediatric occupational therapist.
Carine brings her experience as a City of Pickering camp counselor and responsible member of several school committees and clubs.
Carine has a twin sister, an older brother and a dog and enjoys drawing, movies and experiencing new things.
Excited to be part of the AU team, Carine loves working with children and helping them learn and be creative.
Judae
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.
Laura
Laura is taking a break starting in August because she having a baby in September!
Michelle
Michelle has been off for a year for her health, but has been a huge part of AU
Sadie
Sadie doesn’t work with us regularly anymore, but will always fill in in an emergency if she can.
Art Classes Loved by Kids and Parents
