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WANJEAN MURAL AND ART EXHIBIT UNVEILING 8/30/25


The Power of Paint: WanJean’s Mural Unveiling at Roscoe’s Celebrates Culture, Legacy & Community


August 30, 2025 – Anaheim, CA


On a warm summer evening at the Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles Anaheim location, history, artistry, and purpose converged as WanJean, the acclaimed visual artist and founder of both WJ Art LLC and The Concrete Rose Project Inc., unveiled her commissioned mural—marking the first public collaboration between her and the iconic brand’s founder, Herb Hudson.


The evening served as the nonprofit’s inaugural public event, and the turnout was an undeniable success. Over 50 guests gathered in celebration of art, storytelling, and legacy—anchored by a mural that now permanently lives inside one of Southern California’s most cherished cultural landmarks.


A Monument to Creativity and Heritage

The mural, painted by WanJean, was a visual celebration of Southern California culture—fusing theme park nostalgia, community pride, and Roscoe’s unmistakable soul. The work radiates vibrancy and reverence, capturing the joy and unity Roscoe’s has represented for decades.


With the mural as a backdrop, guests were treated to a rare moment of live art appreciation: WanJean, standing beside her displayed collection of portraits, presented a stunning canvas sculpture of Herb Hudson himself—a dignified, stylized rendering in her signature brush technique. Herb, moved by the piece, called WanJean “brilliant” and shared his enthusiasm about working with her again in the near future.


“Brilliant” Artist, Powerful Mission


More than just a visual artist, WanJean is a community builder. Her work has been professionally appraised for its cultural value and storytelling power—paintings that memorialize Black excellence, channel generational memory, and spark reflection. Her pieces on display included tributes to iconic cultural figures, each infused with a tangible sense of soul and legacy.


But this night wasn’t just about a mural—it was the debut of The Concrete Rose Project Inc., the 501(c)(3) nonprofit WanJean founded to uplift underserved voices through public art, mentorship, and youth development. The organization was born from a place of loss—named in memory of Bashon Ameel Rose—but its mission is firmly rooted in hope, equity, and cultural preservation.


From city monuments to future mural commissions, The Concrete Rose Project is on a mission to plant visual stories in public spaces, particularly across Long Beach, Anaheim, and Compton, where early community partnerships are already blooming.


A Night to Remember


The evening was filled with powerful visual moments:

  • WanJean and Herb Hudson standing side by side, holding the commemorative portrait

  • Guests enjoying the artwork while reflecting on Roscoe’s historic significance

  • The mural staircase serving as both a photo backdrop and a symbol of ascension for the artist’s rising career

A final group photo—featuring WanJean, Herb Hudson, and Project Director Sirquon Hardy—summed up the event’s spirit: vision, trust, and collaboration.


A Gracious Thank You


We extend our deepest thanks to Herb Hudson for believing in WanJean’s artistic voice and providing a platform for her work to live on inside the walls of a business that has fed and united generations. His support was not just a commission—it was a vote of confidence in art as a tool for legacy-building.

To all who attended, supported, and shared in the moment: thank you for helping make history.


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“She’s Dynamic”: Herb Hudson Praises WanJean During Mural Unveiling at Roscoe’s Anaheim


Anaheim, CA — August 30, 2025


In what can only be described as a defining moment for both art and community, Herb Hudson, the legendary founder of Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles, stood before a crowd gathered to witness the unveiling of a mural that now graces the walls of his Anaheim location—and offered heartfelt praise for the woman who brought it to life.


“I love her. She’s dynamic,” Hudson said with enthusiasm. “I couldn’t believe I met someone so dynamic.” His words were raw, emotional, and deeply affirming, reflecting the power of the moment and the immense respect he has for the artist behind the work: WanJean, founder of both WJ Art LLC and the Concrete Rose Project Inc.


A Monument to Soul, Legacy & Artistry


The evening served as more than a mural unveiling—it was the first public event hosted by The Concrete Rose Project Inc., and the turnout was a clear success, with over 50 attendees ranging from community members to cultural leaders. At the heart of the celebration was WanJean’s stunning mural, a vibrant depiction of joy, culture, and community, commissioned by Hudson himself to reflect the soul of Roscoe’s.


The event was also a showcase of WanJean’s wider body of work—original portraits of cultural icons and a sculpture-on-canvas of Hudson himself, which she presented to him personally. Captured in front of the artwork, the moment where artist and patron embraced spoke volumes about the power of artistic collaboration.


“We’ll Be Doing More Work in the Future”


Hudson made it clear that this mural was just the beginning. With admiration in his voice, he spoke to the crowd about his belief in WanJean’s vision and talent. “We’re going to be doing more work in the future,” he said—an exciting preview of potential collaborations that could extend across multiple Roscoe’s locations or beyond.

His remarks weren’t mere platitudes. They were the kind of sincere, public affirmation that marks the beginning of a new era for both Roscoe’s and The Concrete Rose Project.


The Artist, the Mission, and the Moment


WanJean, a self-taught visual artist and cultural preservationist, has long used art to tell the stories of her community. Through WJ Art LLC, she creates powerful, appraised works rooted in history and Black excellence. Through The Concrete Rose Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit she founded in memory of Bashon Ameel Rose, she brings those stories into public spaces—mentoring youth, honoring elders, and turning walls into monuments.

This event, held at Roscoe’s Anaheim, was more than a celebration. It was a statement of intent—to create, to inspire, and to serve.


Thank You, Mr. Hudson


We extend our sincere gratitude to Herb Hudson for entrusting WanJean with this commission and for uplifting the next generation of cultural storytellers. His belief in her work sets the stage for a growing partnership between a legendary institution and a rising force in public art.



 
 
 

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