Upcoming Events
Check Currents publication (PDF) or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
Zefir: Two-Day Class
Thursday, August 6, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Come learn to make this popular Eastern European confection. Sometimes called marshmallow's cousin, it's less sweet and more fruit-forward than American marshmallows, but delicate and airy in texture. We will be piping a variety of styles in this special hands-on two-day class.
Intermediate Laser Cutting: Engraving Painted Canvas
Thursday, August 6, 2026 - 4:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This intermediate-level laser design class focuses on the differences between creating designs and navigating unique settings on pre-painted paper canvases. It is recommended that you bring any photos you would like to engrave with you on a flash drive to help save design time.
The longer class time is necessary for this program due to the long print times on this material. Fusion Pro Laser Cutter Certification is required prior to attending this program.
Zefir: Two-Day Class
Friday, August 7, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Come learn to make this popular Eastern European confection. Sometimes called marshmallow's cousin, it's less sweet and more fruit-forward than American marshmallows, but delicate and airy in texture. We will be piping a variety of styles in this special hands-on two-day class.
Getting Started: Unity's Create with Code
Saturday, August 8, 2026 - 2:30pm - 4:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Come learn how to code! We will use Unity's Create with Code to explore the computer programming language C#. This class will begin with a review of the course. Then, you will dive into Unit 1 and create a driving simulator by importing assets, simulating gravity, mapping player controls, and more.
While this class only covers Unit 1, participants will be shown how to continue the course independently.
Intro to Animation
Monday, August 10, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn the basics of animation in Blender! In this beginner-friendly class, you'll discover how to bring your 3D creations to life using keyframes, the timeline, and simple motion techniques. We'll cover the fundamentals of animating objects, cameras, and characters. Previous Blender experience is not necessary but encouraged.
Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Monday, August 10, 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.
Italian Biscotti
Monday, August 10, 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!
Making for Seniors: Create a Simple Vinyl Cutter Project
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
Learning new technology should be fun, not intimidating! Join us for a basic hands-on session where we'll use Cricut Design Space to create a simple project to be cut out on one of EC's vinyl cutters. Previous basic computer experience is required. No previous experience with design software or vinyl cutting is needed. Participants are required to set up their own free Cricut Design Space account prior to attending.
Intermediate Laser Project: Wood Inlay
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:30pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Flex your Adobe Illustrator skills in this intermediate laser class. Participants will use more advanced Illustrator skills to create a small wooden inlay project on the laser. Laser Certification is required for this class.
Intermediate Laser Cutting: Engraving Painted Canvas
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 - 1:00pm - 4:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This intermediate-level laser design class focuses on the differences between creating designs and navigating unique settings on pre-painted paper canvases. It is recommended that you bring any photos you would like to engrave with you on a flash drive to help save design time.
The longer class time is necessary for this program due to the long print times on this material. Fusion Pro Laser Cutter Certification is required prior to attending this program.
Cooking Demo: Spiralized Veggies
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Get inspired to add a little creativity to your recipes with a spiralizer. Learn and sample dishes utilizing this fun kitchen tool that can help you add more veggies to your meals or entice reluctant eaters with this novel presentation.
Teens Bake: Dot Cake
Thursday, August 13, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pmAges: 12 - 17
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we will make the viral dot cake cups with scratch-made confetti cake and vanilla buttercream icing.
Intro to 3D Printing and Design with Tinkercad
Thursday, August 13, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn the basics of using Tinkercad to design for 3D printing! We'll walk through basic 3D design using Tinkercad software and create a simple project to be 3D printed. No previous design experience is necessary!
Italian Biscotti
Friday, August 14, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:30amAges: 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!
Intro to Laser Cutting
Saturday, August 15, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 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.)
Basic Knife Skills for Teens
Monday, August 17, 2026 - 1:00pm - 2:30pmAges: 13 - 18
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 for teens.
Creating 3D Relief Projects with Carvera CNC
Monday, August 17, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this program we will go over modifying and creating files to be used in making 3D relief projects on the Carvera CNC. It is recommended to have taken either the Intro to Carvera CNC class or the Intro to MakeraCAM class before attending this program.
This class does not result in independent CNC use certification.
Design an Augmented Reality Project with Delightex and Merge Cube
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Augmented reality allows us to combine digital elements with real-world objects. Join us to learn how to create a simple augmented reality project specifically for interaction with a Merge Cube. Using Delightex, we will walk through a facilitated project build that you'll be able to share with family and friends.
Adobe Illustrator Project: Paper Rose
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 - 4:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will be going over a variety of tools in Adobe Illustrator to make a rose design from scratch that we will then be cutting out of cardstock on our Epilog Fusion Edge. Basic knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Laser Cutter Certification are required.
