ABOUT
THE FIRST OF MANY (TFOM) is a heart-centered creative agency, production and curation company, and storytelling platform built to honor the people behind the practice. Founded by Jasmine Washington, TFOM exists to celebrate artists, makers, and entrepreneurs not just for what they create—but for the why that drives them.
We work at the intersection of art, community, and care—offering portraiture, podcasting, writing prompts, events, and resource-sharing as tools for reflection, visibility, and collective growth. Every project is rooted in the belief that presence is enough. That you don’t need to perform, prove, or polish yourself to be seen.
At its core, The First of Many is about making space—real, intentional space—for creatives to tell their stories on their own terms. We are here to amplify what often gets overlooked: the process, the people, and the power in simply showing up as you are.
We source our venues with deep care and intention—prioritizing local, underrepresented spaces that are often overlooked yet deeply rooted in community. These are places that deserve to be seen, celebrated, and sustained.
Each activation becomes more than just an event—it’s a creative offering, a collective act of care, and an opportunity to honor the spaces that hold us. It’s also a commitment to reimagining what’s possible when we gather with purpose, creativity, and intention.
We believe space is sacred. And when we gather with intention, we’re not just hosting events—we’re helping sustain legacies.
THE FIRST OF MANY SERIES (TFOMS) by Jasmine Washington
is a Movement; An appreciation and realization of self centered around 50 artists and creatives from or based in Baltimore, MD.
TFOMS is not just an artistic showcase—it’s a movement. Centered around the creative journeys of 50 artists and creatives from or based in Baltimore, MD, this initiative celebrates community, collaboration, and self-discovery. Created to spotlight the incredible talent in Baltimore whose work has profoundly impacted TFOMS Creator, Jasmine Washington.
TFOMS offers an opportunity to pause, reflect on one’s personal and professional growth, and imagine new possibilities for creative aspirations. It encourages participants to strive for greater heights in their artistic pursuits and to connect more deeply with the vibrant energy of the city’s creative community.
The exhibition showcases a series of intimate Polaroid portraits by Jasmine Washington, captured using expired peel-apart film and a Polaroid Big Shot— the iconic camera made famous by Andy Warhol in the 1970s.These images highlight the beauty found in decay and distortion, mirroring the resilience and creativity of Baltimore’s artistic community. They evoke a sense of grace in the overlooked, capturing both the raw authenticity and vibrant energy of the city’s urban landscape.
At the heart of this project is the opening exhibition, which will serve as a gateway to a series of engaging programs, including artist-led workshops, panel discussions, an artist talk, and both an opening and closing reception. These components are designed to amplify the voices of the featured artists and provide them with a platform to share their journeys and insights, fostering deeper connections with the community.
Too often, the artist is overlooked, even as the art is celebrated. When the artist is the art.
The First of Many Series seeks to shift this perspective, emphasizing that the artist and the art are inseparable. By focusing on the critical roles of community and collaboration in the creative process, this project highlights the collective strength of Baltimore’s artistic ecosystem. Through dialogue, collaboration, and mutual support, TFOMS empowers both artists and audiences to find and rediscover their voices, while inspiring them to see Baltimore’s creative potential in a new light.
This five-part initiative is designed to engage, inspire, and connect the people of Baltimore through a rich, immersive experience that amplifies local voices and fosters meaningful dialogue.
Ultimately, The First of Many Series is more than a celebration of art—it is a movement that champions community, creativity, and the transformative power of collaboration, offering an opportunity to reflect, grow, and envision new possibilities within the city’s creative ecosystem.
“Celebrating Creativity, Empowering Artists, Building Community.” - Arthur Fitzhugh III, TFOMS Curator
Photographs are NFS.
MEET THE TEAM
The First of Many is a collaborative effort shaped by a team of creatives who care deeply about people, process, and purpose. We’re artists, storytellers, organizers, and vision-builders who come together to make space for honest stories, intentional work, and meaningful connection.
This isn’t just production—it’s relationship-building. It’s designing experiences that reflect real lives, real journeys, and the kind of creative work that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves. Every member of this team contributes from a place of passion and personal investment, committed to honoring the people behind the art—not just the final product.
From concept to conversation, from portrait to podcast, from resource to event—we move with care, curiosity, and a shared belief that this is about more than content. It’s about legacy, belonging, and building something that lasts.
Get to know the people who make it all possible—the minds and hands behind the moments, working to amplify artists beyond their work, beyond the clout, and into the stories that define them. This is the team behind the vision—and the energy that makes The First of Many more than a project. It’s a practice. And it’s powered by people.
• • •
JASMINE WASHINGTON (She/Her)
Founder, Visionary Curator, Photographer and Community Architect
Jasmine is an ART-ivist and Status Quo Disruptor.
With a passion for exploring the complexities of identity, culture, and social justice, she uses her art to challenge conventional perspectives, encouraging personal reflection and collective dialogue.
Deeply committed to amplifying marginalized voices, Jasmine creates platforms where the unheard are not just seen but celebrated.
As a multidisciplinary visual artist and curator, she designs exhibitions that resonate emotionally and spark conversations about pressing societal issues.
Beyond her visual work, Jasmine moderates panels with purpose, guiding discussions that foster connection, understanding, and growth.
Rooted in empathy and intention, Jasmine’s practice is driven by the belief that art has the power to inspire change, uplift communities, honor untold stories, and redefine what art can truly be.
She is currently pursuing a MFA in Photography and Media Society at MICA and is a recipient of the Leslie King-Hammond Graduate Fellowship Award (2025–2026).
Photo Credit: Nere Eyeguokan, @rovdrunner1
Get in Touch:
Website: www.jasminewashington.com
Email: jasmine@thefirstofmany.org
Instagram: @thesourcher , @thefirstofmanyseries
ARTHUR FITZHUGH III (He/Him)
"I am a girl dad, artist, and curator based in Baltimore, MD. My work is driven by the goal of creating a habitable and enjoyable world for my daughter and future generations. I find purpose in fostering opportunities and safe spaces for artists, as I believe in the transformative power of supporting and investing in them. Artists carry light and catalyze positive change in the world, and nurturing their growth has exponentially positive impacts. The experiences I curate focus on themes of love, humanity, Afro-futurism, and environmentalism.
In addition to curation and art management, I am also in the final semester of my Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Baltimore. I have a multitude of experiences that I pull from to aid in my ability to wear my many different hats. I have experiences ranging from working with the CIA to having been trained as an actor with the Identity School of Acting in Los Angeles, and I have been a vocalist since early childhood. I also currently work with The Black Arts District (@blackartsdistrict) as the Head of Outreach.
Since 2019, I have curated several exhibitions in different spaces, including notable art venues like The Eubie Blake Center, Keeper’s Vintage, Baltimore Unity Hall, Penn State University, and School 33 Art Center. I will continue my journey of supporting artists and providing safe community space to display works by opening up my own art gallery in the near future. I am dedicated to using my skills and ideas to elevate and bring light to the world."
Photo Credit: Jasmine Washington, @thesourcher
Get in Touch:
Email: artfitzyou@gmail.com
Instagram: @artfitzyou