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Upcoming Events

Check Currents publication (PDF) or the Calendar of Events site for more events.

Cooking for Wellness: Tempeh Teriyaki

Monday, February 2, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

It’s time to broaden your protein horizons for Heart Health Month. Research supports embracing plant-based proteins to support a healthy heart, and while tofu isn’t everyone's favorite texture, there are plenty of other whole food sources of plant protein. Tempeh is an excellent choice and the perfect pairing for a discussion on a heart-healthy diet. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.

Game Day Snacks with Smokin Roche's BBQ

Monday, February 2, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Class registration and more information

Get together for an evening in the kitchen with Brian Roche, owner of Smokin' Roche's BBQ, and make several delicious snacks everyone will enjoy while watching the Big Game.   

Laser-Cut Interlocking Boxes

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Learn how to design and cut interlocking boxes with custom dividers using the laser cutter. This hands-on class will cover the basics of box-making joints, divider layouts, and assembly techniques, giving you the skills to create sturdy, personalized storage solutions.

Laser-Engraved Tumblers

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

In this class, we will be engraving a tumbler using Adobe Illustrator to create a simple design with text and graphics. Previous laser design experience is helpful but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification. You may bring custom images with you, preferably on a thumb drive, if you already have an idea in mind.

Adobe Illustrator Skill Builder: Tools & Shortcuts

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Boost your speed and confidence in Adobe Illustrator with this hands-on class focused on essential tools and time-saving shortcuts. Gain a solid understanding of Illustrator features and keyboard shortcuts to help you create vector designs more efficiently. This class is ideal for those looking to streamline the design process for makerspace projects. Attendees should have a basic understanding of Illustrator and some experience creating independent projects.

Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Reversible Drawstring Bag (Class 8)

Thursday, February 5, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class 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.

Valentine's Day Strawberry Jelly Roll

Thursday, February 5, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: Adults
Class registration and more information

Bake a delicious sweet for your sweethearts. This strawberry roll cake is decorated with hearts, baked, and filled with strawberry jam.

Design an Augmented Reality Scavenger Hunt Game with Delightex

Thursday, February 5, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 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 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. 

Intro to Adobe Illustrator

Friday, February 6, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 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.

Beginner Cricut: Custom Valentine's Day Card

Monday, February 9, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Put your Cricut skills into practice or learn the basics of design with this beginner-friendly class. Explore numerous design techniques, tool options, and specialized materials available for custom card creation. Each attendee will design a custom Valentine's Day card to bring home.

Quick Dinner Series: Egg Roll in a Bowl

Monday, February 9, 2026 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

This chicken egg roll in a bowl is a 30-minute meal that blends plant and animal proteins with familiar flavors to create a colorful and energy-boosting dish. We'll enjoy our meal together in the teaching kitchen.

Making for Seniors: Introduction to 3D Printing and Design with Tinkercad

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 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 create a simple 3D design project to be printed on Exploration Commons' 3D printers. Previous basic computer experience is required. No previous experience with 3D printing or design software is needed.

Edge-Lit Acrylic Signs: Valentine Edition

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

We're taking a twist on everyone's favorite edge-lit signs class! Choose from a selection of Valentine-themed cut-out designs for your acrylic sign. These bright and colorful projects are a way to display a message or add flair to your room, desk, or workspace. In this program, you’ll laser engrave Valentine-themed artwork of your choice onto a piece of clear acrylic and light it up with a provided multi-color LED light stand. 

Intro to Laser Cutting

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class 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.

Galentine's in the Kitchen

Thursday, February 12, 2026 - 4:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Class registration and more information

Bring your favorite gal pal for a Galentine's Day cooking class. Recipes will include Strawberry and Goat Cheese Crostini, Lobster Ravioli in Brown Butter Sauce, Waffles with Bourbon Barrel Maple Syrup, and Chocolate Covered Strawberries. This is a hands-on cooking class. One registration per group of two. Please list additional attendee names at the time of registration.

Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)

Thursday, February 12, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 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 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.

Cooking Basics: Blackened Salmon

Friday, February 13, 2026 - 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

In this hands-on class, participants will master blackened salmon with a homemade smoky spice crust. We’ll cover seasoning, searing, and simple sides for an easy, flavorful meal.

Introduction to Onshape & 3D Printing

Saturday, February 14, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Welcome to the world of 3D modeling, design, and 3D printing. In this introductory class, we will review the computer-aided design (CAD) software Onshape by diving into the fundamentals and techniques to make a 3D-printed keychain.

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