Upcoming Events
Check Currents publication (PDF) or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
Basic Knife Skills
Thursday, June 11, 2026 - 1:00pm - 2:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This hands-on class will cover everything you need to know about caring for your knives and how to use them. You'll learn how to chop, dice, and mince and get plenty of practice with other professional cuts. This is a beginner class.
Intro to Carvera CNC
Thursday, June 11, 2026 - 4:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This two-day CNC certification class will introduce you to the design basics, machine use, and safety procedures for our new Makera Carvera desktop CNC machine. This class will cover project design utilizing Makera's congruent software, MakeraCAM, along with other compatible software available at Exploration Commons. The first session may end earlier than the given time.
Successful completion of the Prerequisite Module for the In-Person Carvera CNC Class is required prior to attending this class.
Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the CNC machine independently.
Open Sewing Studio (Bring Your Own Sewing Machine)
Saturday, June 13, 2026 - 10:00am - 2:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Open Sewing Studio is an opportunity to enjoy freestyle sewing with other sewists. Come in and work on your sewing projects in the company of others. A volunteer will be available to answer questions or provide feedback during this program. All skill levels are welcome. You must bring your own sewing supplies and tools.
Note: This is not an instructional class; no materials will be provided.
This registration is for individuals bringing their own sewing machine. You must have a working knowledge of how to thread and operate your machine to register.
If you want to reserve a sewing machine, please register for the other version of this program.
Open Sewing Studio (Reserve a Sewing Machine)
Saturday, June 13, 2026 - 10:00am - 2:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Open Sewing Studio is an opportunity to enjoy freestyle sewing with other sewists. Come in and work on your sewing projects in the company of others. A volunteer will be available to answer questions or provide feedback during this program. All skill levels are welcome. You must bring your own sewing supplies and tools.
Note: This is not an instructional class; no materials will be provided.
This registration will reserve a sewing machine for use. You must be certified for independent use to register for this program.
If you want to bring your own sewing machine, please register for the other version of this program.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Saturday, June 13, 2026 - 1:30pm - 4:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more informationThis class is for customers looking to become certified for independent use of the Exploration Commons laser cutters. We will cover simple project creation in Adobe Illustrator, the basics of the Epilog Dashboard software, and Epilog laser machine use and safety. At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete this program will be certified to use the Exploration Commons Fusion Pro and Fusion Edge laser cutters. Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the laser independently. Due to the amount of information covered in this class, we strongly encourage registrants who do not have Adobe Illustrator experience to do one of the following prior to attending this class:
- Take an Intro to Adobe Illustrator class (in person at Exploration Commons or on LinkedIn Learning — use Library ID: carroll).
- Take a laser project class at Exploration Commons (one that does not require participants to be laser certified).
- Work through the online portion of the Exploration Commons hybrid laser certification module. (No need to take the quiz; we will do that at the end of class.)
Italian Biscotti
Monday, June 15, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to make crispy, twice-baked Italian Biscotti Cookies. Each table will make a different flavor batch to be split evenly among registrants. We'll make espresso drinks while the cookies bake so we can enjoy our biscotti as a traditional treat dipped in coffee!
Creating Jewelry with Makerspace Technology
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:30amAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn about the types of jewelry you can make with our makerspace technology. We will review the available equipment, selecting appropriate materials, and setting up design files for success. Using Adobe Illustrator and the Epilog Fusion Pro Laser, participants will make either a pair of earrings or a necklace to take home. This is an introductory-level program; no previous experience with design software or laser cutting (or certification) is required.
Next Steps with Adobe Illustrator: Image Tracing
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 - 4:30pm - 6:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will be going over the image trace feature in Adobe Illustrator. We will be looking at a few different images and going over the multiple options of image tracing to get the best result for each image. Previous experience with Adobe Illustrator is recommended but not required.
Kids Bake: Mini Fruit Tarts
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 - 11:00am - 1:00pmAges: 10 - 17
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will make sweet and tender mini Pâte Sucrée Tart Shells and rich Vanilla Pastry Cream, then top them off with beautiful fruit patterns.
Intro to MakeraCAM
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class we will go over utilizing MakeraCAM, the base design software that we teach for using our Carvera CNC! So if you are interested in becoming more familiar with the user interface and available tools, this is the class for you!
CNC Certification is NOT required for taking this course.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Bucket Bag (Class 5)
Thursday, June 18, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Get acquainted with the sewing machine and basic tools of the trade. Learn to sew a round base into a medium-sized bag and finish the incorporated handles.
Class Prerequisites: Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
Required Materials: A sewing machine and all materials will be provided.
About Beginner Sewing Level 1: These classes introduce new or less experienced sewists to beginning sewing information and resources with hands-on practice.
Beginner Sewing Level 1 classes introduce and practice the following skills:
- basic sewing tools
- cutting, measuring, and marking fabric
- pressing with an iron
- basting and sewing
You can take Level 1 classes in any order, but beginners will benefit most by taking the first three classes, Class 1, 2, and 3, in sequence.
Wok Cooking Basics
Thursday, June 18, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on class, gain an introductory understanding of wok cooking and learn how to prepare your recipe for the best results. We will prepare a plant-based recipe to practice our new cooking skill.
Class format: Class capacity is 10 people. Registrants will cook with one other attendee in this class to prepare a dish to share between them.
Teen Laser Class: Engraved Livestock Brushes
Thursday, June 18, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pmAges: 12 - 18
Class registration and more information
Getting ready for the summer livestock or horse show season? Join us to customize a wood-handled grooming brush to express your personality! We'll learn the basics of Adobe Illustrator and designing for laser engraving, then watch as your design is engraved onto a brush to take home.
This class does not result in independent laser use certification.
Bake Together Kids: Bugs and Blooms Marshmallow Fondant Cookie Decorating
Saturday, June 20, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 8 - 12
Class registration and more information
Add some sweetness to your summer afternoon! In this hands-on Bake Together workshop, you’ll learn how to make soft, delicious marshmallow fondant from scratch and then learn some fun techniques to use it to decorate prebaked sugar cookies into fun bugs, butterflies, and blooms. No piping required!
This is a pairs cooking class. It is intended for one child that is 8-12 years old and one adult per pair.
Intro to Adobe Illustrator
Monday, June 22, 2026 - 12:00pm - 2:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn the basic features of Adobe Illustrator. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and explore the program through hands-on instruction. No experience is required.
Bake Together Teens: Bugs and Blooms Marshmallow Fondant Cookie Decorating
Monday, June 22, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 13 - 17
Class registration and more information
This is a pairs cooking class. It is intended for one teen ages 13-17 and one adult per pair. The teen is the registrant.
Add some sweetness to your summer afternoon! In this hands-on Bake Together workshop, you’ll learn how to make soft, delicious marshmallow fondant from scratch and then learn some fun techniques to use it to decorate prebaked sugar cookies into fun bugs, butterflies, and blooms. No piping required!
Making for Good: Cricut Cards for Our Troops
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Join us in this Making for Good class as we create appreciation cards to send to service members overseas. No prior experience using Cricut machines is required.
Kids Bake: Mini Fruit Tarts
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 10 - 17
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will make sweet and tender mini Pâte Sucrée Tart Shells and rich Vanilla Pastry Cream, then top them off with beautiful fruit patterns.
Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn the basics to feel comfortable using a sewing machine. This introductory-level class includes the EC sewing machine certification necessary for many other classes and/or independent sewing machine use in the makerspace.
If you've never touched a sewing machine or a sewing needle, or if it's been years since you've sewn and you need a refresher on the basics, then this class is for you.
Prerequisite: None
Materials: A sewing machine and all necessary materials will be provided.
Prehistoric Projects: Laser-Engraved Dinosaur Puzzles
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:30pmAges: 8 - 12
Class registration and more information
Come celebrate Summer Reading with a special prehistoric project: laser-engraved dinosaur puzzles! This is a pairs-making class. It is intended for one child that is 8-12 years old and one accompanying adult. Each adult may only be registered with one child.
Each registration must include:
One child aged 8-12
One adult
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Japanese Knot Bag (Class 6)
Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Get acquainted with the sewing machine and basic tools of the trade. Sew a fully lined, curved project bag. Learn to sew and finish a bag with two handles that are incorporated into the design of the bag.
Class Prerequisites: Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
Required Materials: A sewing machine and all materials will be provided.
About Beginner Sewing Level 1: These classes introduce new or less experienced sewists to beginning sewing information and resources with hands-on practice.
Beginner Sewing Level 1 classes introduce and practice the following skills:
- basic sewing tools
- cutting, measuring, and marking fabric
- pressing with an iron
- basting and sewing
You can take Level 1 classes in any order, but beginners will benefit most by taking the first three classes, Class 1, 2, and 3, in sequence.
