On The Wall: Room At The Roxy

The Vancouver Heritage Foundation last week launched its new public art exhibit “Room at the Roxy”, on the CBC Art Wall.

The exhibit is a production still from the 1957 studio-shot drama, “A Room at the Roxy”, captured by CBC Vancouver staff photographer Alvin Armstrong. The image features a critical moment in the drama and gives the illusion of capturing a real moment in time. Evident at the edge of the image is the stage setting and artificial walls, designed to allow camera mobility while creating the illusion of a gritty hotel street entrance.

“A Room at the Roxy” was curated by CBC Vancouver Media Librarian, Christine Hagemoen, CBC Vancouver Media Archives.

Visit the CBC  online to view a short video featuring scenes from “A Room at the Roxy” and all involved in the studio shoot from 1957.

The Wall, located on the CBC plaza at 700 Hamilton Street, is a VHF public art initiative on themes related to our built environment.

Located in the heart of a cultural precinct that includes the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, The Playhouse Theatre, the Vancouver Public Library and the CBC, The Wall is a unique new platform for artists made possible through a creative partnership between the Vancouver Heritage Foundation, JJ Bean Coffee Roasters and the CBC. 

The Wall project has three components:  a 38 ‘ x 29’ wall that is the site of a changing program of artworks responding to and reflecting upon the city’s built environment; a VHF donor recognition wall beneath the art wall; and an Artist in Residence at the CBC Archives.

The installation of The Wall was made possible through the generosity of Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden Architects; Knight Signs; Scott Construction, and Mott Electric. The first exhibit was installed in February 2010, and was curated by Other Sights for Artists’ Projects.