Art scene by
Bill Van Siclen:
Maxey upstairs

01:00 AM EST on
Thursday, March 11, 2004 Can't get to the big Gauguin bash in Boston?

No problem. Just head over the Providence Art Club, where painter Madolin Maxey is exhibiting prints, paintings and other works inspired by a recent trip to Japan, California and Hawaii.

Evening at Manele Bay, for example, serves up a tropical still life of conch shells nestled in the sand, backed by shimmering blue water and a pastel pink sky.

After this year's bone-chilling winter, it looks like a vision of paradise. Maxey returns to the beach for Waikiki: Tattoo and Pandanus, a painting of an outrigger canoe sheltered by spikey tropical plant.

She also channels Gauguin, notably in a painting of a young girl who can't seem to decide whether she wants to be a saint (note the Renaissance-style halo behind her head) or a sinner (witness the box of nails she's opening with her hand). Maxey, who has the Art Club's upstairs gallery all to herself, is also showing a number of other works, including a series of bright, pastel-colored monoprints and some handmade baskets.

As a final touch, Maxey has added a soundtrack (during my visit, the gallery echoed with Hawaiian-style acoustic guitar) and a replica of her Hawaiian studio-cabana, complete with bamboo poles and a thatched roof. The only thing missing was a tray freshly mixed of Mai Tais.

Through March 12 at the Providence Art Club, 11 Thomas St. Hours: Mon.-Fri., noon-4 and Sat.-Sun., 2-4. Phone: (401) 331-1114.