Jacqueline Rizzo: The Vision Behind Waffles & Wine Art Show

Photo Credit: Jonathan Gilbert

In the heart of Philadelphia’s vibrant creative scene, Jacqueline Rizzo is redefining the way local artists connect with their communities. As the founder and curator of the Waffles & Wine Art Show, Jacqueline has built a platform that brings together emerging artists, passionate collectors, and art lovers all over an unforgettable pairing of waffles and wine.

The Inspiration Behind the Brand

Jacqueline’s journey began in 2014 when she participated in her very first art show, RAW Art, held at the TLA on South Street. “I was completely blown away,” she recalls. “The fact that an organization existed to give artists like myself a platform to sell work to local people,

it was incredible.”

After several years of participating in local shows, Jacqueline decided to take the leap and host one herself. Her first event took place in 2017, and between 2017 and 2022, she successfully hosted over 30 art-related events. Then, in 2023, her newest venture, Waffles & Wine Art Show, was born.

The concept was a natural evolution of her existing wine bar, with the addition of waffles inspired by one of her longtime artists, GiGi. The combination of creativity, community, and comfort food made for something truly unique; an approachable, engaging space for art appreciation.

A Defining Career Moment

When asked about her proudest moment so far, Jacqueline doesn’t hesitate. “Being featured on Fox29’s Good Day Philadelphia this past summer was such a rewarding milestone,” she says. “It reflected all the hard work and consistency we’ve put into building Waffles & Wine Art Show. That feature helped us expand our reach and share our vision with a wider audience. I’m still so grateful for that opportunity.”

A Day in the Life

For Jacqueline, no two days look the same and that’s part of what makes her work so dynamic. “Most days, I’m brainstorming and developing practical, executable ideas to grow my company,” she explains. “A lot of my time is spent networking and building B2B relationships with local brands supporting them in return and strengthening our creative community.”

Beyond business development, she manages everything from planning events and writing newsletters to organizing member meetups like coffee gatherings, happy hours, First Friday events, and virtual training sessions. “When I’m not doing that, I’m meeting with venue owners, training staff, and booking artists for shows. It’s a lot but I love every minute of it.”

How to Get Involved

If you’re an artist looking to showcase your work or simply want to support a local creative movement, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

You can find event details and submission opportunities on:

• Instagram: @WafflesAndWineArtShow

• Eventbrite: Waffles & Wine Art Show

• Website: www.wafflesandwineartshow.com

Supporters can also get involved by becoming sponsors (details on the website) or by simply following along on social media and sharing the word.

Creative Influences

Jacqueline draws inspiration from other bold, community-driven businesses including @BuzzSocialCo, a women-owned brand strategy company based in Philadelphia, and Kangaroo Courier, a New York City-based delivery service with a passion for small business support and innovation.

Closing Thoughts

What makes the Waffles & Wine Art Show so special isn’t just the art, it’s the experience. Jacqueline’s vision creates a space where creativity thrives, connections form, and artists are truly celebrated. As she puts it, “We’re here to put the artist first, that’s really what it’s all about.”