These rookie artists just needed a canvas.
The Museum of Modern Art gave nearly 90 city students an outlet for their hidden passions this summer when it chose them for its elite and free “In the Making” art program.
More than 300 teens from the five boroughs applied for the classes this year, which allow youngsters to explore a variety of art mediums, officials said.
Most who were chosen had never ventured beyond their sketchbooks.
“We don’t look for students that necessarily have a ton of art experience,” said Calder Zwicky, an associate educator for Teen and Community Programs at the museum.
He said the program is designed to give young people a chance for hands-on experience with art – something that is increasingly rare in high schools.”
“It’s really about finding students who have never had a chance to make art and have a real desire to explore,” said Zwicky.
Bronx resident Niko Solome, 19, fell into that batch.
The high school dropout entered the museum as a graffiti artist and left focused on a future in architecture and graphic design, ready to take his GED next week.
“Being here inspired me to look at different kinds of art,” said Solome, part of the Click@Moma class that crafted a colorful arcade installation merging the world of art and video games..
Solome’s commitment to the program was tested this summer, as he dealt with homelessness and a family illness.
But he rarely missed a chance to work with gaming geniuses from Brooklyn-based Babycastles on his project..
“So many things were thrown in his path,” Zwicky said. “It was really amazing to see that dedication.”
A nearly two-hour commute from Whitestone, Queens, didn’t stop Justin Madera, 14, from attending class, either.
The Bayside High School student took one city bus and two subway trains to Midtown to learn how to sculpt using clay, candle wax and plaster.
“I didn’t mind,” Madera said. “This class has really opened my eyes.”
The program, first launched in 2004, ran three days a week this summer from July 8 to Aug. 14.
The artists’ final projects will be unveiled at the museum Friday and will remain on display until Sept. 9.
Madera said he is hoping to land an internship with an artist and continue to hone his sculpting skills.
“I’m determined to become better at it,” he said.