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Upcoming Events

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

Intro to Adobe Illustrator

Friday, April 17, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 14 - 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.

Open Sewing Studio (Bring Your Own Sewing Machine)

Saturday, April 18, 2026 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class 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)

Saturday, April 18, 2026 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class 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.

Cheese Basics: Taste & Explore

Saturday, April 18, 2026 - 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

This class introduces simple methods for tasting and describing cheese with confidence. You’ll learn to slow down, notice details, and build your cheese vocabulary. 

Fortune Cookies

Monday, April 20, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Learn how to make your own golden, crisp fortune cookies from start to finish! In this hands-on class, you’ll mix the batter, fold the warm cookies into their iconic shape, and slip fortunes inside.

3D Printing Techniques: Making Articulated 3D Prints

Monday, April 20, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

This class will cover the concepts and techniques for creating a basic articulated 3D print. This design allows for your model to have moveable parts, such as the body of a snake or the arm of an octopus. It is recommended to have a basic understanding of how to use the 3D design software Tinkercad or to have taken our Intro to 3D Printing with Tinkercad class prior to attending this program. 

Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:30pm
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.

Vegetarian Burritos

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Learn to make hearty, flavorful vegetarian burritos packed with wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients. This class shows you how to create satisfying, health-focused meals that are quick, easy, and delicious.

Dubai Chocolate Bars

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Attendees will be paired together to make a batch of the viral Dubai chocolate bars. These chocolate bars are filled with a mixture of crispy kataifi, pistachio cream, and tahini. 

Introduction to Onshape & 3D Printing

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
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.

Engraving Paper: Engraved Paper Gift Bags

Thursday, April 23, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Join us to give paper engraving a try! We'll review the basics of Adobe Illustrator and Epilog Dashboard, including important things to consider when engraving paper. Each participant will engrave one small craft paper gift bag on our lasers. Great practical practice to keep your laser skills fresh! Previous laser certification is required.

Inclusive Cooks: Tacos

Friday, April 24, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

In this hands-on cooking series for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and people without, we will prepare a tasty taco meal. 

Custom Wine Glass and Tasting

Saturday, April 25, 2026 - 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: Adults, 21 and older
Class registration and more information

On day one of this class, we will learn some of the basics of the laser's rotary tool to create a design and engrave it onto stemless wine glasses. On day two, we will do wine tasting in the kitchen! You must be 21 or older to attend; a government-issued photo ID is required. You must also be Laser Certified for this class.

Custom Wine Glass and Tasting

Monday, April 27, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: Adults, 21 and older
Class registration and more information

On day one of this class, we will learn some of the basics of the laser's rotary tool to create a design and engrave it onto stemless wine glasses. On day two, we will do wine tasting in the kitchen! You must be 21 or older to attend; a government-issued photo ID is required. You must also be Laser Certified for this class.

Custom Wine Glass and Tasting

Tuesday, April 28, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: Adults, 21 and older
Class registration and more information

On day one of this class, we will learn some of the basics of the laser's rotary tool to create a design and engrave it onto stemless wine glasses. On day two, we will do wine tasting in the kitchen! You must be 21 or older to attend; a government-issued photo ID is required. You must also be Laser Certified for this class.

Healthy & Fast Weeknight Dinner

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Discover an easy, high-protein meal, Fish en Papillote, that uses a simple cooking technique that keeps fish tender and flavorful. In this hands-on class, you'll create a light dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but fits into any busy weeknight. 

Dinner's on Me: Tacos

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - 18
Class registration and more information

Hey, teens, let's meet in the kitchen to prepare a new recipe that will impress your family and friends. Improve your independent cooking skills with hands-on experience in the kitchen. We will prepare a delicious taco dinner that is perfect for a busy weeknight meal. 

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

Thursday, April 30, 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.

Let's Start a Podcast!

Thursday, April 30, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Do you want to get into podcasting but don't know where to start? Then this is the class for you! We will cover the basics of the different recording software we offer and introduce the equipment we provide in the Audio/Video Lab.

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