At Arts Unleashed young people take creative control! Working with a theme, artists explore a wide range of mediums and materials, designing and building original pieces of Art. Mini sets, pictures, props, costume pieces and backdrops. Everything we do inspires conversation, stories and engagement.
Conveniently located at Kingston Rd. & Rougemount in South Pickering, Arts Unleashed has been igniting imaginations since 2015.
Camps, classes and parties - pure creativity for artists 2-10.
Our unique storytelling art program connects children to the power of their imagination. Our inclusive, welcoming studio environment frees children to be themselves, fostering a confidence that keeps kids coming back.
At Arts Unleashed, we value small groups. With a 1-6 staff to student ratio, children are highly supported, allowing them to enjoy a more immersive art program. We offer a host of sensory, play-based and mixed-medium experiences.
We take pride in building an authentic business based on respect, kindness and connection with families. Growing from a home-based business in 2015 to hosting over 2000 artists a year, Arts Unleashed has become a highly trusted children’s program in Durham.
Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; Arts Unleashed currently has 0 program available; 5 TBD.
Register online and pay a 20% deposit to secure your spot, with further payments made monthly for classes or on the 1st of the month your child attends camp.
Registrations can be cancelled up to one month before programming for a full refund, two weeks for a 50% refund and after that, refunds are only granted if a camper can be found to replace your child. We do not offer credits or refunds for missed classes or camp days, but will pack up a kit where possible!
Children who can manage without continuous one-on-one support can join.
Annika Kim, founder of this camp, believes that imagination is a superpower, one this camp can indeed unleash. The emphasis here is on letting kids explore creativity and take charge of their own projects. It’s an opportunity for them to explore art forms, and work with a variety of materials, with an eye on telling stories through art they create. No matter kids’ confidence level, they grow and embrace personal expression here. The wide range of projects kids get to undertake is one more thing that makes the programming here stand out. Of course, there are other benefits like the social and collaborative skills they gain in small group projects. All of this is supervised by a vibrant, experienced, passionate, supportive staff.
Transcript of our interview with Yasmin and Neil, Arts Unleashed: Parent Interview with Yasmin and Neil Malik
How did you know that Arts Unleashed was the right fit?
Neil
Our daughter went to daycare just upstairs from Annika's studio. So every day when we dropped her off and we picked her up, there's a door that has a small window in it, and our daughter would poke her head in there with such curiosity. And Annika, being the person that she is and so genuine, welcomed her in to investigate and see what was going on in her room.
It's just that little spark, a little connection Annika was able to make with our daughter. We said, "Oh, you know what, let's just give this a try and see how it goes." And what is it, like four years later, we're still there. Sophie can't talk enough about that place.
She's free to express herself without worrying about making a mess or anything like that. And just the way her art, the art side of her, has blossomed. We know that we made the right decision by going to that place.
What's unique about Arts Unleashed?
Yasmin
It allows kids to explore their creativity without worrying about rules, perfection, or mess. And it's a space where imagination leads the way. Annika has all these themes for different camps that she has. The theme projects are thoughtful and original, and there's so much freedom for each kid to make their piece their own.
One thing I really liked about summer camp was at the end of a week, the kids got to put on a showcase. So they got to show the different art pieces that they made, and they're so proud to present it. There's a framework, but everyone has their own touches to it, which is really awesome.
Was there any personal growth you saw in your child?
Neil
One comment her teacher always makes, whether it was in grade three or grade two or grade one, is that Sophie really stands out when it comes to her artwork. When she was younger, I put paper up on all the walls, on the floor, and let her go crazy. And I think that with Annika, she conducts her classes in a similar way.
She'll give you a workstation, and she'll set very, very little boundaries, but at the same time, they're boundaries in such a way that made my daughter really put thought in and expand on her artistic ideas. So let's say, for example, Sophie goes in for an art class there at Annika's, and the theme is ocean. She won't say to Sophie, "Okay, Sophie, so you have to choose either it's underwater or above water." She says it's ocean. So now just everything that comes to your head; just go ahead and do that.
That's made Sophie really kind of think what is included when it comes to those different kinds of themes, and it's actually made her look at more books in relation to those different art themes and stuff like that. So when those times come due, she's actually able to contribute a lot to her project.
How can a parent support their child to get the most out of this experience?
Neil
It's very important that whether it's Annika's class or even artwork that she brings home from school, the parents really acknowledge the work they did because they put a lot of time and a little effort into it. And it's not only an expression of them, but I think at this age, at least, they're really trying to impress their parents. So it's important that parents not only contribute to bringing them there, but also acknowledge what beautiful work they did.
Yasmin
The work they do lets them explore their ideas and materials and the stories. So just acknowledging that creative side in them, it just makes their world light up.
What would you tell other parents about the overall value of sending kids here?
Yasmin
There's so much value in sending your child to Arts Unleashed. We do half-day camps on PA Day. It splits up our day, but the projects are focused. And it's actually like a lot of kids from the neighborhood go there, and they make new friends there.
We're always planning with other parents, "Hey, I'm going to send my kid to Arts Unleashed this day. Will you send your kid?" And they get to spend one-on-one time with their peers, forming friendships.
It's a place you can genuinely trust because I actually don't leave my children with anybody. I literally drop my kid off at Annika's studio and I know she'll be good the whole day. We just recently started enrolling my son into camps and he has so much fun there too. So it's a great place with great teachers, and Annika's doing a great job.
Neil
When kids are younger as well, with artwork, I think it's just another way of expressing themselves. Maybe they're still developing their languages; they're still understanding their feelings.
Yasmin
They're building their confidence.
Neil
They're building their confidence. I think with the art that it really helps in those aspects.
What does your child say about their experience with Arts Unleashed?
Yasmin
She is always so happy, enthusiastic. The different sensory things that she can touch at Arts Unleashed, like Annika will have sensory tables set up or the different workstations, paint, mixing. She's learned to mix colours.
She just loves the focused projects and the different ways she can use materials like clay or glue. She's recently started using the hot glue gun there. She just has a blast every time, and that's why we keep sending her back.
Neil
I love the way Annika, with whatever projects she has there, uses household items. So then when they come home, a lot of things don't get thrown away because she wants to use them for different art projects, which I think is great for learning how to recycle.
Annika is very good at not only using art supplies but using things that are very accessible around the house so the kid can not only do the artwork at the studio, but when they come home, they can also do it as well.
Any final thoughts on Arts Unleashed?
Neil
We've been going there for over three years now. We end up even having birthday parties there, and we've seen a good different flow of students coming in and out of there.
It's hard to articulate, but the way you see the kids light up going to that studio and the different projects they have is like, we're very lucky to find Annika and to find that business that she runs there. We couldn't have made a better decision.
Such a warm, welcoming and creative environment. The staff are amazing and share in the excitement and creativity alongside the kids. Both my kids (6 & 8) have loved the classes, PA day and summer camps.
Anne-Marie , Parent
An amazing experience for my daughter!
Arts unleashed is always such an amazing experience for my daughter!! There are so many options & ways to attend, to be a part of the fun! Staff are awesome & attentive to children’s needs, ensuring a safe & fun environment! It addresses various developmental areas, through the process of creative play! Let your child grab a friend & get messy in the world of art!! ...Show More
Branavan , Parent
Highly recommend Arts Unleashed
Our kids had an amazing experience at Arts Unleashed camp over the holidays. Highly recommend Arts Unleashed as a great place for kids to explore their creativity with Annika and her team. Thank you Annika!!
Betty, Parent
AU staff passionate about encouraging kids' creativity
My 5 year old son and 3 year old daughter loves coming here for their weekend art classes! My son enjoys it so much that he asked to come for the summer art camp program too. I was already impressed with the regular art classes but the artwork and projects the kids made during camp was beyond expectations! Not only are the AU staff passionate about encouraging kids' creativity and imagination, they also create a warm, fun and safe environment. When asked why he likes art classes so much, my son said "Because I have fun and the teachers are nice and funny!" I can see the social confidence my son has gained since coming to AU and I'm grateful that this wonderful program exists ...Show More
Sarah, Parent
Pieces of art are Amazing!
Arts Unleashed is such a fantastic place and I am so glad I enrolled my child here! My 4 year old daughter did half-day art camp here and loved it! The pieces of art they create are amazing and the amount they produced in a week is impressive! The staff is great with kids and super encouraging! We are 100% returning for fall classes ...Show More
Alexandra, Parent
Creative freedom of expression
My kids absolutely love Arts Unleashed! The staff is so wonderful and supportive to the kids and their parents. The classes are fun and encourage creative freedom of expression. Thank you Annika for such an amazing experience! We will definitely be returning ...Show More
Lindsay, Parent
A fabulous local, women-run business!
Arts Unleashed is so wonderful! Our 5 year old daughter absolutely loved her classes with Annika, Michelle, and Danielle. They were kind, attentive, and I knew I was leaving our daughter in good hands with them. The art projects are super impressive and they really encourage the kids to get creative. We also attended an awesome birthday party there. This is a fabulous local, women-run business - our favourite extra curricular activity of several this year ...Show More
Aly, Parent
We love Arts Unleashed!
We love Arts Unleashed! My 5 year old has had a birthday party here and has attended various camps. He is always excited to come back and feels comfortable and safe with Annika and her amazing team. They let the kids explore and be creative and support when needed. Having a birthday party here was stress free and the kids had an amazing time doing something unique…would 100% recommend it. Hope we will be coming here for years to come! So happy we have something like this in our community ...Show More
Vesna, Parent
Positive and fun environment for kids
Annika and company have created the most positive and fun creative environment for kids. My daughter loved her PA day camp and two weeks of summer camp. Her imagination ran wild among a wide array of hands on experiences. I’m glad this beautiful space is available and am grateful to have been introduced to it. Without hesitation, I would recommend the studio to parents. No notes ...Show More
Chelsea, Parent
Beautiful, creative and unique pieces of artwork
We absolutely love Arts Unleashed.
My daughter has attended both camp classes and art sessions. She loves going to art class every Thursday and always creates the most beautiful, creative and unique pieces of artwork. I love that Annika and her team create a story behind their artwork helping unleash children’s creativity and imagination.
Annika is so lovely and really understands children. Her team members are also fantastic. If you’ve been thinking about joining, do it!! ...Show More
"What are the traits that will empower our children to succeed in an ever-changing world?"
Confidence, creativity and imagination.
With these three qualities children can become leaders and innovators, designing their own success stories. It is these three qualities that we promote at Arts Unleashed.
Children at Arts Unleashed experience a wide range of mediums and materials through our unique storytelling art program. Creating original works of art, young artists build confidence through creative freedom. With a focus on small groups, we aim to create a safe, inclusive space where young people are well supported, respected and inspired!
We are not making artists; we're making great people!
Staff and Counsellors
At Arts Unleashed, the foundational qualities of a staff member are a love of children and a big imagination. Most of our staff have been with Arts Unleashed since it began, experiencing the program as campers, volunteers or parents. Campers love our programs because the staff are excited to be here, learning their names quickly, and showing them respect and kindness.
With a 1-6 staff-to-camper ratio, children are well supported by our all-female staff, who are required to have First Aid training and a vulnerable sector check. Student volunteers require a babysitting course.
