Check Currents or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
Creating Jewelry with Makerspace Technology
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Japanese Knot Bag (Class 6)
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 18, 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. 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.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 18, 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. 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.
Learn to Solder
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 18, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Soldering is fun and fundamental to a wide assortment of maker electronic projects and modern technology. From simple light-up LEDs to complex robots, solder is the glue that holds the technological world together. Join us for a hands-on project where you will assemble and solder your very own simple circuit.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 18, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Soldering is fun and fundamental to a wide assortment of maker electronic projects and modern technology. From simple light-up LEDs to complex robots, solder is the glue that holds the technological world together. Join us for a hands-on project where you will assemble and solder your very own simple circuit.
Knife Skills Practice: Ratatouille
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 18, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Do you need to brush up on your knife skills? In this two-hour refresher class, we'll cover the basic cuts and create a delicious ratatouille to bake at home. The class is intended for participants who have completed a basic knife skills class.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 18, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Do you need to brush up on your knife skills? In this two-hour refresher class, we'll cover the basic cuts and create a delicious ratatouille to bake at home. The class is intended for participants who have completed a basic knife skills class.
Seasonal Brunch: Pumpkin Pancakes, Root Hash, and Poached Eggs
Exploration Commons
Friday, September 19, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
We will be using our Teaching Kitchen Collaborative recipes for seasonal pumpkin pancakes and root hash to create a delicious fall brunch! We'll also learn how to poach eggs and make espresso drinks to complete our meal. Each attendee will be paired with another guest to work together at their table.
Exploration Commons
Friday, September 19, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
We will be using our Teaching Kitchen Collaborative recipes for seasonal pumpkin pancakes and root hash to create a delicious fall brunch! We'll also learn how to poach eggs and make espresso drinks to complete our meal. Each attendee will be paired with another guest to work together at their table.
Open Sewing Studio (Bring Your Own Sewing Machine)
Exploration Commons
Saturday, September 20, 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. All skill levels are welcome. You must bring your own sewing supplies and tools.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, September 20, 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. 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)
Exploration Commons
Saturday, September 20, 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. All skill levels are welcome. You must bring your own sewing supplies and tools.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, September 20, 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. 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.
Bake Together: Soft Pretzels
Exploration Commons
Saturday, September 20, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:45pm
Ages: 6 - 18
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on baking class! We’ll learn how to make delicious soft pretzels and a honey mustard dipping sauce to go with them.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, September 20, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:45pm
Ages: 6 - 18
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on baking class! We’ll learn how to make delicious soft pretzels and a honey mustard dipping sauce to go with them.
This class is designed for groups of up to four participants and must include:
- At least one child aged 6–18
- At least one adult
- The remaining two spots in the group may be filled by additional participants aged 6 or older—or left open.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Monday, September 22, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:30pm
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.
Exploration Commons
Monday, September 22, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:30pm
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.
Wedding Cake Decoration Demo
Exploration Commons
Monday, September 22, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This is a demonstration class where attendees observe and learn while instructor Candace Birger shows how to properly assemble and decorate a tiered wedding cake with fondant flowers.
Exploration Commons
Monday, September 22, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This is a demonstration class where attendees observe and learn while instructor Candace Birger shows how to properly assemble and decorate a tiered wedding cake with fondant flowers.
Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
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.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
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.
Craft Beer Week 2025: Tastes and Tapas
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults, 21 and older
Registration and more information
Celebrate Carroll County's Craft Brew Week at Exploration Commons at 50 East's Teaching Kitchen. Join us to enjoy four delicious bites artfully paired with featured beers from four of our local breweries.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults, 21 and older
Registration and more information
Celebrate Carroll County's Craft Brew Week at Exploration Commons at 50 East's Teaching Kitchen. Join us to enjoy four delicious bites artfully paired with featured beers from four of our local breweries.
You must be 21 or older to attend; a government-issued photo ID is required. The cost is $25 per person, and there is limited seating of 20.
Intermediate Laser Cutting: Engraving Painted Canvas
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 - 1:00pm - 4:30pm
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 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.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 - 1:00pm - 4:30pm
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 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.
Craft Beer Week 2025: Tastes and Tapas
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults, 21 and older
Registration and more information
Celebrate Carroll County's Craft Brew Week at Exploration Commons at 50 East's Teaching Kitchen. Join us to enjoy four delicious bites artfully paired with featured beers from four of our local breweries.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults, 21 and older
Registration and more information
Celebrate Carroll County's Craft Brew Week at Exploration Commons at 50 East's Teaching Kitchen. Join us to enjoy four delicious bites artfully paired with featured beers from four of our local breweries.
You must be 21 or older to attend; a government-issued photo ID is required. The cost is $25 per person, and there is limited seating of 20.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Small Messenger Bag (Class 7)
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 25, 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 to sew a gusset into a bag with rounded corners. Practice how to sew and insert a cross-body handle into the bag.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 25, 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 to sew a gusset into a bag with rounded corners. Practice how to sew and insert a cross-body handle into 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:
- basis 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.
Stocks Under Pressure Demo
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 25, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to use the electronic pressure cooker to cook stock and broth for your favorite soups and dishes. This demo class will highlight two different stock recipes and discuss ways to increase the nutrient density of your favorite recipes.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 25, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to use the electronic pressure cooker to cook stock and broth for your favorite soups and dishes. This demo class will highlight two different stock recipes and discuss ways to increase the nutrient density of your favorite recipes.
Custom Engraved Leatherette Bottle Openers
Exploration Commons
Friday, September 26, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
In the spirit of celebrating Carroll County Beer Week, join us in customizing your very own engraved bottle openers!
Exploration Commons
Friday, September 26, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
In the spirit of celebrating Carroll County Beer Week, join us in customizing your very own engraved bottle openers!
This is a beginner-friendly class; no prior software or laser experience is required.
Note: There are unique color options for the bottle openers, and they are highly limited! Attendees will get to choose their color on a first come, first served basis.
Laser Engraved Wood Mini Barn Quilts
Exploration Commons
Saturday, September 27, 2025 - 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Color mapping allows you to specify laser settings based on designated colors within your laser cutting design. Learn the basics of color mapping while creating a simple geometric wood barn quilt design. Previous laser design experience is recommended but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, September 27, 2025 - 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Color mapping allows you to specify laser settings based on designated colors within your laser cutting design. Learn the basics of color mapping while creating a simple geometric wood barn quilt design. Previous laser design experience is recommended but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.
Books and Bites: Sweet or Spice, Romances Are Nice
Exploration Commons
Monday, September 29, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Let's meet in the Teaching Kitchen to bake Apple Spice Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting, followed by a discussion of the newest romance novels led by Westminster Branch librarians. This is a joint program with CCPL's Westminster Branch and Exploration Commons. Books will be available to check out at the event.
Exploration Commons
Monday, September 29, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Let's meet in the Teaching Kitchen to bake Apple Spice Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting, followed by a discussion of the newest romance novels led by Westminster Branch librarians. This is a joint program with CCPL's Westminster Branch and Exploration Commons. Books will be available to check out at the event.
Chicken and Black Bean Tostadas
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 - 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will make chicken and black bean tostadas with avocado cream. This class is part of the American Heart Association's Simple Cooking with Heart.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 - 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will make chicken and black bean tostadas with avocado cream. This class is part of the American Heart Association's Simple Cooking with Heart.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
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.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
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.
Inclusive Cooks: Chocolate Crispy Rice Treat
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 2, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on cooking series for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and people without, we will prepare a healthier version of the popular crispy rice treat. We will replace the commonly used marshmallow fluff and add nuts and seeds to make this a nutrient-dense snack you can feel good about eating.
Note: participants will take home a prepared recipe that will need to cool in the refrigerator before consuming.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 2, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on cooking series for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and people without, we will prepare a healthier version of the popular crispy rice treat. We will replace the commonly used marshmallow fluff and add nuts and seeds to make this a nutrient-dense snack you can feel good about eating.
Note: participants will take home a prepared recipe that will need to cool in the refrigerator before consuming.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
