Our Mission
The Arts House is dedicated to inspiring and nurturing creativity in people of all ages through engaging experiences in various art forms. We offer a wide range of classes, including "modeling", "dance", "theater", "piano", "guitar", "drums", "violin", "singing", and "art" lessons, tailored for children aged 5 to 16.
As a creative hub, The Arts House facilitates music initiatives like the string quintet Arco D’oro and hosts exhibitions, events, and birthday parties. We believe everyone has the potential to explore their artistic abilities and express themselves freely through creative exploration.
Our diverse range of classes and workshops is designed to develop teamwork, confidence, and discipline in young artists. Through our programs, we inspire individuals to embrace the arts as a means of self-expression and personal growth, helping them discover their true potential and develop a lifelong passion for the arts.
Join us at The Arts House and embark on a journey of creativity, inspiration, and artistic discovery. Together, let’s unlock the magic within you!
Faculties
Modeling Program
Tansforming potential into professional modeling skills. We provide the comprehensive training, expert guidance, and industry connections you need to succeed in fashion world.
Musical Theatre
Exciting theater classes culminate in performances featuring original scripts written by Shelley Koskinen.
Dance
Our vibrant dance classes specialize in "Jazz", "Ballet", and "Contemporary dance", led by the talented Billie Ansley.
Music
Singing lessons, taught by Alexandra Giroux, encourage kids to express themselves musically and participate in competitions. In addition to these offerings, our piano lessons with Alex Kazak focus on building the jazz community and nurturing a new wave of jazz in Barrie. We also provide guitar, drums, and violin lessons, ensuring a comprehensive musical education.
Art
Our art classes, guided by Mariia Levadnia, inspire creativity in every participant.
Who We Are
Shelley Koskinen
Production Coordinator/Director
Shelley is emerging director with a passion for storytelling that blends heart, humor, and visual style. Having worked on Hearts of Robin Lane: Kiki and four Hallmark Channel productions, Shelley thrives at the intersection of artistry and logistics - keeping productions running smoothly while fostering space for creative exploration. Her background in coordinating fast-paced sets gives her a deep understanding of how to bring ideas from concept to screen, while her directing aspirations fuel her collaborative approach with cast and crew. Whether shaping the flow of a scene or orchestrating the moving parts behind the camera, Shelley is dedicated to crafting stories that connect with audiences and linger long after the credits roll.
Billie Ansley
Choreographer
Billie Ansley is a professional dancer and educator with over a decade of teaching experience across Ontario and British Columbia. Trained at The Dance Academy of Barrie, the Etobicoke School of the Arts, Simon Fraser University, Modus Operandi, and The School of Toronto Dance Theatre, she has performed with Simcoe Contemporary Dancers in productions such as Winterfest, Dusk Dances, KRIMA, and ReGeneration with Kaeja d’Dance. Specializing in Modern, Contemporary, and Jazz, Billie brings a blend of technical precision and expressive artistry to her classes. She is excited to join The Arts House faculty, sharing her passion for storytelling through movement with the next generation of dancers!
Alexei Kazak
Piano/Solfeggio/Instrumental ensemble
My name is Alex Kazak, I am a jazz/classical pianist, composer, arranger, chart & music track writer. I am working with many ensembles in so many genres because I honestly love music!
Started in jazz band, traveled around the world and played with many different talented and famouse musicians. I’ve been working on cruise lines for more than 8 years. I also made my own show and performed it for the first time in 2018. I always have been looking for people with the same musical interests like mine and I keep finding them everywhere. I keep looking and get more experience which is the most Wonderfull thing in the world! And I would love to share my experience and skills of piano playing, jazz improvisation, basic and advanced solfeggio and the most important - love to the music. Any music! Will be happy to see each and everyone of you on my music classes.
Ashley Kalyn
Modeling Program Lead/Runway walking/Photo Posing
My name is Ashley and I am a professional model with over ten years of experience in the fashion and commercial modeling industry. Throughout my career, I have worked across runway, commercial, catalogue, and editorial projects, including national-level campaigns.
I have modeled in major markets such as Montreal and Toronto, and have also traveled to New York to participate in Fashion Week. Working across these diverse markets has given me a well-rounded understanding of the industry and the expectations placed on models at different levels.
I was introduced to the industry at a young age, which gave me valuable insight into both its opportunities and its challenges. Through my own journey, I developed a deep understanding of how important it is to introduce modeling to children in a positive, age-appropriate, and supportive way. My goal is to help young models build confidence, self-awareness, and strong foundational skills, while emphasizing professionalism, self-respect, and healthy boundaries within the industry.
Alexandra Giroux
Vocal
Hi, I'm Alexandra Giroux, a teacher with 15+ years of experience in helping people discover their voices. I have a background in classical and modern music and have toured with top musicians. I've also participated in popular talent shows like X Factor and The Voice. Excited to open a music classes with a focus on quality education. Looking forward to meeting talented individuals like you!
Maria Levadnia
Art
I'm an artist and art teacher from Ukraine. I specialize in classical painting and drawing, while also enjoying experimentation with new materials and techniques. I have a Master of Arts degree in art pedagogy and worked for eight years as the Head of the Art Department at the Kyiv Professional College.
Now based in Canada, I actively participate in art events, exhibitions and plein airs. I am a member of the Ukrainian Association of Visual Artists of Canada and the Barrie Art Club. In 2025, I became the winner of Art Blast in Barrie.
I continue to grow and explore my own path in art, setting challanges for myself and embracing them with confidence. I am ready to give your child unforgettable journey into the wirld of art.
