Check Currents or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
Be a Coffee Connoisseur!
Exploration Commons
Thursday, April 25, 2024 - 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Take a trip around the world of coffee! Learn about bean origins, roasting temperatures, and types of grinding to brew the perfect cup of joe! Sample several varieties and evaluate using coffee flavor descriptors.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, April 25, 2024 - 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Take a trip around the world of coffee! Learn about bean origins, roasting temperatures, and types of grinding to brew the perfect cup of joe! Sample several varieties and evaluate using coffee flavor descriptors.
Intro to Adobe Illustrator
Exploration Commons
Thursday, April 25, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - 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!
Exploration Commons
Thursday, April 25, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - 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!
CNC and Fusion 360 Demo
Exploration Commons
Friday, April 26, 2024 - 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Fusion 360 can generate toolpaths for subtractive manufacturing using CNC machines like our CNC router. We'll examine the design and manufacturing process of a simple 3D milling project and the learning pathways to becoming proficient in using Fusion 360. This demonstration assumes no prior CAD or CAM knowledge, but having previous experience with Fusion is extremely helpful; manufacturing with Fusion is an intermediate skill.
Exploration Commons
Friday, April 26, 2024 - 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Fusion 360 can generate toolpaths for subtractive manufacturing using CNC machines like our CNC router. We'll examine the design and manufacturing process of a simple 3D milling project and the learning pathways to becoming proficient in using Fusion 360. This demonstration assumes no prior CAD or CAM knowledge, but having previous experience with Fusion is extremely helpful; manufacturing with Fusion is an intermediate skill.
Family Baking: Cinnamon Star Bread
Exploration Commons
Saturday, April 27, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Shape and bake a delicious Cinnamon Star Bread using pre-made dough.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, April 27, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Shape and bake a delicious Cinnamon Star Bread using pre-made dough.
Registration is for one child age 6+ and one adult plus up to two additional attendees per family. Please indicate the attendees' names and the children's ages at registration. One registration per group covers up to four people.
Laser Engraved Personal Recipe Card and Box
Exploration Commons
Monday, April 29, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create a kitchen keepsake by turning a handwritten recipe into an engraved wooden recipe card! We'll learn some of the basics of Adobe Illustrator as we create a custom recipe box label and utilize scanning to bring our handwritten recipes into a digital, engravable format. Previous laser design experience is helpful but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.
Exploration Commons
Monday, April 29, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create a kitchen keepsake by turning a handwritten recipe into an engraved wooden recipe card! We'll learn some of the basics of Adobe Illustrator as we create a custom recipe box label and utilize scanning to bring our handwritten recipes into a digital, engravable format. Previous laser design experience is helpful but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.
Sewing: Serger Basics
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class, you will learn about the sewing, cutting, proper threading, and operating basics of the versatile serger/overlock sewing machine. You will be inspired to incorporate serger/overlock techniques into your sewing projects to achieve better results. This is a beginner-level class, and no sewing experience is required. This program includes Exploration Commons Serger Certification for independent use.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class, you will learn about the sewing, cutting, proper threading, and operating basics of the versatile serger/overlock sewing machine. You will be inspired to incorporate serger/overlock techniques into your sewing projects to achieve better results. This is a beginner-level class, and no sewing experience is required. This program includes Exploration Commons Serger Certification for independent use.
Baking Techniques Two-Day Class: Croissants
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of dough lamination on day one. On day two, participants will bake croissants and pain au chocolat.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of dough lamination on day one. On day two, participants will bake croissants and pain au chocolat.
Baking Techniques Two-Day Class: Croissants
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 - 10:00am - 1:15pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of dough lamination on day one. On day two, participants will bake croissants and pain au chocolat.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 - 10:00am - 1:15pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of dough lamination on day one. On day two, participants will bake croissants and pain au chocolat.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
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 Exploration Commons' Fusion Pro and Fusion Edge laser cutters.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
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 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.
Intro to CNC Routing
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 2, 2024 - 10:00am - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This one-day CNC certification class will introduce you to the design basics, machine use, and safety procedures for our Iconic i2015 CNC router. We will focus on project design and the VCarve software in the morning session. We will cover machine use in the afternoon, including hands-on time with the CNC machine. There will be a break from 12 - 1 PM between the morning and afternoon sessions.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 2, 2024 - 10:00am - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This one-day CNC certification class will introduce you to the design basics, machine use, and safety procedures for our Iconic i2015 CNC router. We will focus on project design and the VCarve software in the morning session. We will cover machine use in the afternoon, including hands-on time with the CNC machine. There will be a break from 12 - 1 PM between the morning and afternoon sessions.
All program registrants must complete the prerequisite online Iconic CNC Machine Use and Safety Training before attending the first session of this program.
At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete both sessions of this program will be certified to use Exploration Commons' CNC machine. Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the CNC router independently.
Getting Started with CLO 3D Fashion Design Software
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 2, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of creating a 3D avatar and accessing the 2D T-shirt block in CLO 3D. We will learn how to create a virtual dress for your avatar and show how to send the pattern to the printer to create a real-world sewing pattern. This is a beginner-level class.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 2, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of creating a 3D avatar and accessing the 2D T-shirt block in CLO 3D. We will learn how to create a virtual dress for your avatar and show how to send the pattern to the printer to create a real-world sewing pattern. This is a beginner-level class.
Kentucky Hot Browns
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 2, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich is a meal-worthy dish that's over-the-top delicious! Make open-faced sandwiches with thick slices of roasted turkey and fresh tomatoes on top of a thick piece of toasted bread, all smothered in a rich, cheesy mornay sauce, broiled, and topped with crispy bacon. We'll also make a mock mint julep to celebrate the upcoming horse race.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 2, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich is a meal-worthy dish that's over-the-top delicious! Make open-faced sandwiches with thick slices of roasted turkey and fresh tomatoes on top of a thick piece of toasted bread, all smothered in a rich, cheesy mornay sauce, broiled, and topped with crispy bacon. We'll also make a mock mint julep to celebrate the upcoming horse race.
Intro to 3D Printing and Design with Tinkercad
Exploration Commons
Friday, May 3, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
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!
Exploration Commons
Friday, May 3, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
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!
Wok Cooking Basics
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 4, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: Adults
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 the new cooking skill.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 4, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: Adults
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 the new cooking skill.
Cooking for Wellness: Building Better Salads
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 6, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn to make salads exciting! Join dietitian Dana Mealing in creating nutritious, crave-worthy salads. Go beyond iceberg lettuce with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of cheese – discover the art of vibrant salads that make eating more vegetables easy. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 6, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn to make salads exciting! Join dietitian Dana Mealing in creating nutritious, crave-worthy salads. Go beyond iceberg lettuce with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of cheese – discover the art of vibrant salads that make eating more vegetables easy. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.
Family Cooking: Empanadas
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 6, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a family cooking class to celebrate Cinco de Mayo (one day late) with scratch empanadas!
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 6, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a family cooking class to celebrate Cinco de Mayo (one day late) with scratch empanadas!
Registration is for one child age 6+ and one adult plus up to two additional attendees per family. Please indicate the attendees' names and the children's ages at registration. One registration per group of up to four.
Intermediate Laser Cutting: Designing for Different Materials
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This intermediate-level laser design class focuses on the differences between creating designs and navigating unique settings on various materials. Attendees will learn how to optimize their workflow with several different material options.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This intermediate-level laser design class focuses on the differences between creating designs and navigating unique settings on various materials. Attendees will learn how to optimize their workflow with several different material options.
Fusion Pro Laser Cutter Certification is required prior to attending this program.
Cooking Demo: Spiralized Veggies
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
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.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
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.
Intro to Adobe Illustrator
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 9, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 12 - 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!
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 9, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 12 - 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!
Laser Engraved Livestock Brushes
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 9, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
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 own 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.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 9, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
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 own 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.
Baking Techniques: Beignets & Cafe au Lait
Exploration Commons
Friday, May 10, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to make New Orleans-style beignets, the soft and pillowy fried doughnuts covered in powdered sugar. While our dough proofs, we'll make traditional New Orleans-style coffee with chickory.
Exploration Commons
Friday, May 10, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to make New Orleans-style beignets, the soft and pillowy fried doughnuts covered in powdered sugar. While our dough proofs, we'll make traditional New Orleans-style coffee with chickory.
Adobe Illustrator: Beyond the Basics
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 11, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a comprehensive two-session Adobe Illustrator program where we further explore the software's capabilities and build on our existing knowledge. Because this class explores more advanced functionality, it is strongly recommended that participants take our Intro to Adobe Illustrator class or complete the following prerequisite videos before the class.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 11, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a comprehensive two-session Adobe Illustrator program where we further explore the software's capabilities and build on our existing knowledge. Because this class explores more advanced functionality, it is strongly recommended that participants take our Intro to Adobe Illustrator class or complete the following prerequisite videos before the class.
Tinkercad: Beyond the Basics
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 11, 2024 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us to explore Tinkercad's 3D design capabilities further. Utilizing both basic and intermediate design tools and methods, we'll make 3D-printed dice. Previous Tinkercad experience is strongly recommended.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 11, 2024 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us to explore Tinkercad's 3D design capabilities further. Utilizing both basic and intermediate design tools and methods, we'll make 3D-printed dice. Previous Tinkercad experience is strongly recommended.
Making for Seniors: Create a Simple Cork Laser Engraving Project
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - 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 create a laser engraved cork 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.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - 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 create a laser engraved cork 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.
Taco Tuesday: Plant-Based Taco Night
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Turn your Taco Tuesday into a plant-based feast! In this hands-on class, we'll make Vegan Jackfruit Tacos, Guacamole, and Jicama Salad.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Turn your Taco Tuesday into a plant-based feast! In this hands-on class, we'll make Vegan Jackfruit Tacos, Guacamole, and Jicama Salad.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin Tops
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin Tops. Easy, quick, and delicious!
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin Tops. Easy, quick, and delicious!
3D Design Skills: Sketching
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Welcome to the exciting world of 3D design and modeling! In this comprehensive, hands-on session in Onshape, a powerful cloud-based computer-aided design (CAD) platform, we will dive further into the sketch tools and their functions.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Welcome to the exciting world of 3D design and modeling! In this comprehensive, hands-on session in Onshape, a powerful cloud-based computer-aided design (CAD) platform, we will dive further into the sketch tools and their functions.
