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Upcoming Events

Check Currents or the Calendar of Events site for more events.

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Design an Augmented Reality Scavenger Hunt Game with Delightex
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 2, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Augmented reality allows us to combine digital elements with real-world objects. Join us to learn how to create and code a simple augmented reality scavenger hunt. Using Delightex (formerly Cospaces Edu), we will walk through a facilitated project build you can share with family and friends. 

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Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Exploration Commons
Friday, October 3, 2025 - 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class, attendees will be paired with another attendee to split a recipe for delicious unstuffed peppers! This recipe developed by the Teaching Kitchen Collaborative uses ground poultry, peppers, and seasonings to create a filling fall meal. 

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Asian-Style Dumplings
Exploration Commons
Saturday, October 4, 2025 - 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, learn to prepare Asian-style dumplings with premade wrappers.

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Intro to Web Design: HTML Basics
Exploration Commons
Monday, October 6, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of web design by exploring HTML.

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Cooking for Wellness: Winter Squash Soup
Exploration Commons
Monday, October 6, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
As the cold weather settles in, who wouldn’t love a creamy and warm, sweet and savory winter squash soup? This recipe is versatile and can be made with anything from butternut to kabocha squash. Enjoy this dish with a presentation on macronutrients. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.

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Baking Basics: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin Tops
Exploration Commons
Monday, October 6, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin Tops. Easy, quick, and delicious!

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Modifying Store Bought Costumes
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This interactive class is designed to show attendees ways to modify preexisting garments and accessories for costuming. Whether you're using items from your house and closet or you've purchased a store-bought costume, you'll learn to upgrade it to make it your own. Attendees are encouraged to bring their costumes (if they have one) so we can work together to modify them.

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Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Reversible Drawstring Bag (Class 8)
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get acquainted with the sewing machine and basic tools of the trade. Learn how to sew a channel onto a fully lined bag and insert drawstrings that will close the bag. Learn about using different fabric combinations to add visual interest and how to use 'boxed bottom' techniques to create a sturdy base.

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.

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Asian-Style Dumplings
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, learn to prepare Asian-style dumplings with premade wrappers.

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Next Steps with Arduino
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 9, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Microcontrollers are everywhere and are often the unseen heroes of our modern world. From coffee makers to elevators, and even the television remote control, microcontrollers can be programmed to fulfill a variety of simple tasks. The Arduino platform makes working with microcontrollers easy, fun, and offers a way to get started in electronics. Join us for a workshop where we'll explore a few challenging Arduino projects using components from the Arduino education kits available for use in the makerspace. It is recommended that you have taken Introduction to Arduino or have previous experience with an Arduino before this program.

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Creating Customized Chocolates: Day One
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 9, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get festive for fall by learning to create customized chocolates in this two-session class! In session one, we'll create our designs in Fusion 360 and learn about the 3D printing process. In session two, we'll utilize our 3D prints and the makerspace's Vaquform machines to create custom molds. Then, we'll head to the teaching kitchen to learn how to mold chocolate and create our custom chocolates.

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Open Sewing Studio (Bring Your Own Sewing Machine)
Exploration Commons
Saturday, October 11, 2025 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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. 

Note: This is not an instructional class; no materials will be provided.

All skill levels are welcome. You must bring your own sewing supplies and tools.

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.

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Open Sewing Studio (Reserve a Sewing Machine)
Exploration Commons
Saturday, October 11, 2025 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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. 

Note: This is not an instructional class; no materials will be provided.

All skill levels are welcome. You must bring your own sewing supplies and tools.

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.

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Making for Seniors: Create a Simple Wood Laser Cutter Project
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learning new technology should be fun, not intimidating! Join us for a basic hands-on session where we'll use Adobe Illustrator to create a simple wood laser cutter project and watch your project being made on our Fusion Pro laser cutter. Previous basic computer experience is required. No previous experience with laser cutting or design software is needed. This class does not result in independent laser use certification.

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Sewing Skills: Foundation Piecing Techniques
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of quilting techniques, like String, Strip, and Crazy Quilting, in foundation piecing to create unique fabrics to use in your projects. Foundation fabrics will be provided along with scrap pieces. 

Students are invited to bring their own scrap fabrics as well.

Class Prerequisites: Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification

Required Materials: A sewing machine and all materials will be provided. 

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Autumn Harvest Salads
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Celebrate fall with these festive autumn harvest salads! Each table will make a different recipe, and then all attendees will have the opportunity to sample each dish to find their favorite. Recipes will include:

  • Crisp Apple and Butternut Squash Salad
  • Harvest Quinoa Salad
  • Fall Farro and Pomegranate Salad
  • Roasted Pear and Arugala
  • Fall Kale and Apple Salad
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Intro to Adobe Illustrator
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
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.

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Creating Customized Chocolates: Day Two
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 16, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get festive for fall by learning to create customized chocolates in this two-session class! In session one, we'll create our designs in Fusion 360 and learn about the 3D printing process. In session two, we'll utilize our 3D prints and the makerspace's Vaquform machines to create custom molds. Then, we'll head to the teaching kitchen to learn how to mold chocolate and create our custom chocolates.

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Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Saturday, October 18, 2025 - 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This beginner-level laser cutter class will walk you through design basics, machine use, and safety procedures. 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.

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Ghostly Glow: 3D Printed Night-Lights
Exploration Commons
Monday, October 20, 2025 - 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Want to spice up your Halloween night decor? In this class, we will 3D model our own ghostly figures that can be rigged up to everyday electronics to create a one-of-a-kind spooky night-light! 

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Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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 sewed, 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.

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Edible Spheres
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will learn a simple technique to turn liquids into solid, edible spheres.  

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Understanding 3D Models: What Can I 3D Print?
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class, we will review the basics of what to look out for in 3D models that you would like to have 3D printed. We will review several models using the 3D modeling software Tinkercad and the 3D printer software PrusaSlicer.

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Laser Cutting Refresher
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
If it's been a while since you passed your Exploration Commons laser certification and you could use a refresher on the process, this class is for you! Get a reintroduction to the basics of using our Epilog Fusion Pro and Edge lasers.  

This class is for customers who have already been certified for Exploration Commons independent laser use. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification. 

Previous laser certification is required.

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Dinner's on Me: Asian-Style Dumplings
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 13 - 18
Registration and more information
Hey, teens! Let's meet in the kitchen to prepare a new recipe that will impress your family and friends. Strengthen your independent cooking skills with hands-on experience in the kitchen. This month we will prepare Asian-style dumplings with a tasty dipping sauce.

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