Upcoming Events

Independent Project Design: Cricut, Laser, CNC, and 3D Printing
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Have the makerspace programs sparked your creativity, but you're hesitant to jump into your own independent project? Ready to move beyond step-by-step projects and bring your ideas to life? Over the course of two months, you will design and fabricate a project with guided support from staff.

During the orientation session, we'll discuss project ideas, create goals, and set reasonable expectations for completion. You will work on this project on your own time and have access to up to two one-on-one sessions to review progress, discuss challenges, and get support for moving forward. 

This session specifically focuses on projects using vinyl cutters, laser cutters, CNC machines, or 3D printers. Participants are responsible for providing or purchasing any materials needed for their project.

Special Note: All participants using the laser cutters or Iconic CNC machines for their projects must be certified before this program.

Lunch Meal Prep: Soba Noodles with Shrimp and Ginger Dressing
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This hands-on class will teach you how to prepare perfectly cooked soba noodles, shrimp, and a zesty ginger dressing for a delicious, make-ahead lunch. Participants will make enough to eat in class and a portion to bring home for tomorrow's lunch. 

Dinner's on Me: California Roll Sushi Bowl
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - 18
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 practice basic knife skills and prepare a tasty California Roll Sushi Bowl. 

Understanding 3D Models: What Can I 3D Print?
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 22, 2025 - 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class, we will review the basics of what to look out for in 3D models that you would like to have 3D printed. We will review several models using the 3D modeling software Tinkercad and the 3D printer software PrusaSlicer.

Beginner Sewing Level 3: Garment Sewing, Creating a Trouser Fly, and Working with a Fitted Waistband
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 22, 2025 - 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn to sew a sample version of the trouser fly and the difference between a fitted waistband and a straight waistband before completing a pair of trousers. 

Class Prerequisites and Required Skills

• Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
• thread a sewing machine, wind a bobbin, and troubleshoot tension issues
• sew straight and curved seams while maintaining consistent seam allowance
• know how to read and work with a pattern and cut fabric with care and accuracy
• have a basic understanding of different fabric types and have sewn with a few different types
• have experience sewing a regular zipper

Required Materials

• A sewing machine and materials will be provided

About Beginner Sewing Level 3: Intro to Garment Sewing

This set of classes introduces new or less experienced sewists to beginner sewing information and resources along with hands-on experiences.

This series introduces the following information and skills:

• insert a set-in sleeve
• sewing a collar with a lapel
• sewing a trouser fly
• sewing a fitted waistband

Baking Together: Cinnamon Star Bread
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 22, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Each group will shape and bake a delicious Cinnamon Star Bread using pre-made dough. Registration is for a group of up to four attendees. Anyone under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Please indicate the names and ages of the children when registering. 

 

Quiche Lorraine and Decorative Laser Engraved Pie Lid Class
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 24, 2025 - 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hybrid kitchen and makerspace class! We'll start in the kitchen, preparing a traditional Quiche Lorraine. While our quiches bake, we'll learn some of the basics of Adobe Illustrator as we create graphics to engrave on our pie pan lids. Then we'll return to the kitchen to pick up the quiche to take home!

Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 27, 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.

Oat Drop Scones and Coffee/Tea
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 - 9:30am - 11:00am
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to make delicious Oat Drop Scones in our kitchen. Enjoy them with homemade whipped cream, jam, and coffee or tea for a tasty brunch. 

Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 28, 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.

Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Small Zipper Bag (Class 3)
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 29, 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. Expand your sewing skills by adding a zipper to a small storage bag. You'll insert a zipper into a small cotton bag with lining and learn hand-sewing techniques.

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 might benefit most from following the Class 1, 2, and 3 sequence.

California Roll Sushi Bowl
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 29, 2025 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn to make a California Roll Sushi Bowl in this hands-on class! Practice essential knife skills while preparing fresh ingredients for this delicious and easy-to-assemble dish. Perfect for sushi lovers looking to build confidence in the kitchen.

Design an Augmented Reality Scavenger Hunt Game with CoSpaces Edu
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 29, 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 CoSpaces Edu, we will walk through a facilitated project build you can share with family and friends. 

Make a Custom Engraved Summer Snack Board
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 31, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Usher in the start of summer with a customized charcuterie board filled with healthy summer snacks! We will begin by creating a custom design and engraving it on our board. Then, we will head to the kitchen to fill our boards with breads, veggies, fruits, and other fun, healthy summer snacks.

If you have taken a charcuterie or snack board class at EC50 in the past, please do not register for this class. This class is intended for new patrons/registrants only.

Cooking for Wellness: Eating for Mental Health
Exploration Commons
Monday, June 2, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The kids are home, vacations to plan, family to host, the summer stress can take its toll. But did you know changes in your diet can change how you handle life’s stressors? Discuss the relationship of mental health and food with a registered dietitian while making an easy Mediterranean recipe. This class is provided by Carroll Hospital.

Quick Dinner Series: Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Exploration Commons
Monday, June 2, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to make chicken and dumpling soup from scratch. Attendees will be grouped into tables of 4 where they'll work together to make their quick dinner soup.

Intro to Adobe Illustrator
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
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!

Create Yard Signs with the Roland GS-24 Vinyl Cutter
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Discover how to use the Roland GS-24 Vinyl Cutter, a machine capable of cutting 24-inch-wide rolls. The cutter is perfect for creating large window decals, signage, and more. In this hands-on class, participants will design, cut, and apply vinyl to a yard sign, leaving with a finished piece to take home. 

Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Boxy Zippered Pouch (Class 4)
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, June 4, 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. Practice adding a zipper to a sturdy, boxy pouch known as a Dopp bag. Sew a zipper into a small cotton bag with coordinated lining and practice your hand-sewing techniques to finish 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.

Fish Tacos
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will make flavorful fish tacos with fresh ingredients, paired with homemade flour tortillas.

Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, June 4, 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.

Decorative Laser Engraved Pie Pan Lid and Strawberry Pie Class
Exploration Commons
Thursday, June 5, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hybrid kitchen and makerspace class! We'll start in the kitchen, making a sweet strawberry pie. While our pies chill, we'll learn some basics of Adobe Illustrator as we create graphics to laser engrave on our pie pan lids. Then we'll return to the kitchen to pick up the pies to take home!

Decorative Laser Engraved Pie Pan Lid and Strawberry Pie Class
Exploration Commons
Thursday, June 5, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hybrid kitchen and makerspace class! We'll start in the kitchen, making a sweet strawberry pie. While our pies chill, we'll learn some basics of Adobe Illustrator as we create graphics to laser engrave on our pie pan lids. Then we'll return to the kitchen to pick up the pies to take home!

Laser Cutting Refresher
Exploration Commons
Friday, June 6, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
If it's been a while since you passed your Exploration Commons laser certification, and you could use a refresher on the process, this class is for you! Get a reintroduction to the basics of using our Epilog Fusion Pro and Edge lasers.  

This class is for customers who have already been certified for Exploration Commons independent laser use. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.

Previous Laser Certification is required.

Cook Together: California Roll Sushi Bowl
Exploration Commons
Saturday, June 7, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 6 - 12
Registration and more information
Learn to make a California Roll Sushi Bowl in this hands-on class! This class is perfect for sushi lovers looking to build confidence in the kitchen. 

This program is designed for groups with at least one child ages 6 – 12 and at least one adult. Each registration is for a group of up to four people, including the adult. The adult counts as part of the group of four. Please include the names and ages of all participants (ages 6 and up) when registering.

3D Printing Techniques: Making Articulated 3D Prints
Exploration Commons
Monday, June 9, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
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 base 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. 

Making for Seniors: Engrave a Simple Laserable Leatherette Project
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - 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 use Adobe Illustrator to create a simple project to be engraved on a laserable leatherette pen 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.