Upcoming Events
Check Currents publication (PDF) or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
Laser Engraved Coated Metal Pet Bowl
Thursday, February 26, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Gain experience with laser engraving curved objects in this class as you engrave an 18-ounce coated pet bowl. We'll work in Adobe Illustrator to create our designs. Then we'll move to the laser for engraving, where we'll discuss using a jig versus rotary and the limitations of both when engraving.
Only one bowl of each color is available for this class. Bowl color selection will be first come, first served at the time of the class. Exploration Commons Laser Certification is required prior to attending this program.
Let's Start a Podcast!
Friday, February 27, 2026 - 3:00pm - 4:30pmAges: 15 - 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.
Tea Sandwiches & Tea
Saturday, February 28, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Have you ever wanted to host a tea party? In this class we'll make five delicious tea sandwiches and pair them with five different flavors of tea. Learn tips for setting the perfect table and picking the perfect menu to delight your guests.
Cooking for Wellness: Shrimp and Squash Skillet
Monday, March 2, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
For National Kidney Month, come cook a delicious meal while we discuss the special nutrition needs for kidney health and kidney disease. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Intermediate Laser Project: Multi-Layered Wooden Mandalas
Monday, March 2, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Flex your Adobe Illustrator skills in this intermediate laser class. Participants will use more advanced design tools to create a layered wooden mandala to bring home. Laser certification is required for this class.
Raspberry Lemon Scones
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Ideal for beginner bakers, participants will make coffeehouse-style scones with raspberry and lemon, topped with a sweet lemon glaze.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 - 4:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 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.
Cooking Basics: Pasta Making
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 - 5:00pm - 6:30pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn to make fresh pasta from scratch in this hands-on class! You'll mix, knead, roll, and cut dough while practicing making classic shapes like fettuccine.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Make a Canvas Tote (Class 2)
Thursday, March 5, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Get acquainted with the sewing machine and basic tools of the trade. Learn how to work with different-weight fabrics and sew a boxed corner. Students will also learn about topstitching, reinforcement stitching, and how to use webbing to make bag handles. Apply these skills and more to make a lined canvas tote bag with coordinating handles.
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.
Laser Cutting Techniques: Jigs and Templates
Thursday, March 5, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how jigs and templates can make repeat laser projects faster and easier. In this hands-on class, you will make a simple jig for the laser and create a matching template in Adobe Illustrator. Laser certification and familiarity with Adobe Illustrator are required before registering.
Fresh Ricotta Two Ways
Thursday, March 5, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Come learn how to make fresh homemade ricotta cheese from scratch. It's easier than you think! With just a few basic ingredients, you will be on your way to classic Italian goodness that we will then use two ways, one savory and one sweet.
Fresh Ricotta Two Ways
Friday, March 6, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Come learn how to make fresh homemade ricotta cheese from scratch. It's easier than you think! With just a few basic ingredients, you will be on your way to classic Italian goodness that we will then use two ways, one savory and one sweet.
Intro to CNC
Saturday, March 7, 2026 - 10:00am - 4:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This one-day CNC certification class will introduce you to the design basics, machine use, and safety procedures for our new Makera Carvera desktop CNC machine. This class will cover project design utilizing Makera's congruent software, MakeraCAM, along with other compatible software available at Exploration Commons. There will be a break from 12 to 1 PM between the morning and afternoon sessions.
Fresh Ricotta Two Ways
Monday, March 9, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Come learn how to make fresh homemade ricotta cheese from scratch. It's easier than you think! With just a few basic ingredients, you will be on your way to classic Italian goodness that we will then use two ways, one savory and one sweet.
Making for Seniors: Create a Simple Slate Laser Cutter Project
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: 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 slate laser cutter 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.
Making Movies: Intro to Premiere Pro
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
See what's behind the silver screen in this introduction to Adobe's high-end video editing software, Premiere Pro! We will cover everything from basic editing tips and tricks to some cool tucked-away features in the program. So, if you have ever wanted to start getting into video editing, this is the class for you!
Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 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 sewn 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.
Raspberry Lemon Scones
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Ideal for beginner bakers, participants will make coffeehouse-style scones with raspberry and lemon, topped with a sweet lemon glaze.
Intro to MakeraCAM
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class we will go over utilizing MakeraCAM, the base design software that we teach for using our Carvera CNC! So if you are interested in becoming more familiar with the user interface and available tools, this is the class for you!
The CNC certification is NOT required for taking this course.
Introduction to Arduino
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Microcontrollers are everywhere and are often the unseen heroes of our modern world. From coffee makers to elevators, and even the television remote control, microcontrollers can be programmed to fulfill a variety of simple tasks. The Arduino platform makes working with microcontrollers easy, fun, and offers a way to get started in electronics. Join us for a workshop where we'll explore various beginner Arduino projects using components from the Arduino education kits available for use in the makerspace.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Small Zipper Bag (Class 3)
Thursday, March 12, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Get acquainted with the sewing machine and basic tools of the trade. Learn to insert a zipper into a small cotton bag with a 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:
- 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.
