Upcoming Events
Check Currents publication (PDF) or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
Cooking Basics: Pasta Making
Saturday, May 2, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pmAges: 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.
Intermediate Laser Project: 3D Topographic Maps
Monday, May 4, 2026 - 1:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to use Adobe Illustrator and the Epilog Fusion Pro laser to create layered, 3D topographical map products. Participants will create a pre-determined example product to bring home. All participants must have previous Adobe Illustrator experience and Laser Certification.
Cooking for Wellness: Mediterranean Sardines on Avocado Toast
Monday, May 4, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
If you think you don’t like sardines, this recipe may change your mind! Enjoy a recipe that makes an excellent breakfast, lunch, or snack and is packed with healthy fats. This recipe will be accompanied by a presentation on healthy fats by a registered dietitian. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Cook Together: May the 4th Be with You
Monday, May 4, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 6 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Come join us in celebrating May 4th in the teaching kitchen with some intergalactic fun! We will be making a variety of tasty space-themed snacks to celebrate the day.
This class is designed for groups of up to 3 participants and must include:
- At least one child aged 6–18
- At least one adult
- The remaining spot in the group may be filled by additional participants aged 6 or older or left unfilled.
Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:00pmAges: 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.
Laser Skills: Print and Cut
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to print-and-cut with the Epilog Fusion Pro. We will explore how the Epilog's IRIS™ Camera Registration System works for extremely precise cutting and engraving. We will work in Adobe Illustrator to create a print-and-cut file that can be used with the Camera Registration System. Laser certification is required for all attendees. Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator is encouraged.
Intro to Adobe Illustrator
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 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.
Intro to CNC
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 - 1:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 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 4 to 5 PM.
Sewing Skills: Foundation Piecing Techniques
Thursday, May 7, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn the basics of quilting techniques, like String, Strip, and Crazy Quilting, in foundation piecing to create unique fabrics to use in your projects. Foundation fabrics will be provided along with scrap pieces.
Students are invited to bring their own scrap fabrics as well.
Class Prerequisites: Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
Required Materials: A sewing machine and all materials will be provided.
Sheet Pan Dinners
Thursday, May 7, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This class will prepare five different sheet pan dinners to sample: Rosemary Garlic Pork Chops with Chickpeas, All-Crust Chicken Pot Pie, Gnocchi with Sausage and Peppers, Garlic Lime Salmon Fajitas, and No-Fry Eggplant Parmesan.
Create a Marble Maze with the CNC
Friday, May 8, 2026 - 1:00pm - 4:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this program we will create a personalized mini-marble maze by utilizing our Carvera Desktop CNC! Basic computer experience is required, but no experience with the Carvera CNC is needed.
Note that the class is strictly for designing your project; they will be fully fabricated by Exploration Commons staff after this class is over. You will then be contacted to come pick up your project once it is completed.
This class does not result in independent CNC use certification.
Custom Wine Glass and Tasting
Saturday, May 9, 2026 - 1:30pm - 2:30pmAges: 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
Saturday, May 9, 2026 - 1:30pm - 2:30pmAges: 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.
Custom Wine Glass and Tasting
Saturday, May 9, 2026 - 1:30pm - 2:30pmAges: 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.
Make and Take: Custom Wine Glass and Tasting
Saturday, May 9, 2026 - 1:30pm - 2:30pmAges: Adults, 21 and older
Class registration and more information
This is a make-and-take for the custom wine glass and then an in-person event for the tasting on May 9th from 1:30-2:30pm. You must be 21 or older to attend; a government-issued photo ID is required.
Design your own wine glass art and engrave on a wine glass (provided by us) using our Epilog laser cutter! You must be certified to use the laser.
Then, return on May 9th at 1:30pm for our tasting event with Bernie of JeannieBird Baking Company. Come any time before May 9th to engrave your wine glass - no appointment necessary.
Laser-Cut Interlocking Boxes
Monday, May 11, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pmAges: 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.
Cook Together: Easy Lasagna Roll Ups
Monday, May 11, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 6 - 17
Class registration and more information
In this family-friendly class, we will make delicious lasagna roll-ups and will enjoy our meal together in the kitchen. This class is designed for groups of up to four participants and must include:
At least one child aged 6–17
At least one adult
The remaining two spots in the group may be filled by additional participants aged 6 or older or left unfilled.
Making for Seniors: Engrave a Simple Paper Project
Tuesday, May 12, 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 use Adobe Illustrator to create a simple design to be engraved on a small craft paper gift bag and watch your project being made on one of our Epilog laser cutters. 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.
Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Tuesday, May 12, 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 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.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more informationThis class is for customers looking to become certified for independent use of the Exploration Commons laser cutters. We will cover simple project creation in Adobe Illustrator, the basics of the Epilog Dashboard software, and Epilog laser machine use and safety. 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. Due to the amount of information covered in this class, we strongly encourage registrants who do not have Adobe Illustrator experience to do one of the following prior to attending this class:
- Take an Intro to Adobe Illustrator class (in person at Exploration Commons or on LinkedIn Learning — use Library ID: carroll).
- Take a laser project class at Exploration Commons (one that does not require participants to be laser certified).
- Work through the online portion of the Exploration Commons hybrid laser certification module. (No need to take the quiz; we will do that at the end of class.)
Engraved Tumblers
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will be engraving tumblers 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.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Make a Thread Catcher (Class 1)
Thursday, May 14, 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 about various fabric stabilizers and how to interpret and follow directions. Practice sewing in a straight line. Apply these techniques to make a small fabric basket to catch loose threads.
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 from taking the first three classes, Class 1, 2, and 3, in sequence.
Intermediate Laser Cutting: Engraving Painted Canvas
Thursday, May 14, 2026 - 4:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class 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.
Satisfying Weeknight Pasta Sauce
Friday, May 15, 2026 - 1:00pm - 2:30pmAges: 11 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
We’ll make a savory, vegetarian pasta sauce that even meat-eaters will enjoy. This hands-on class will demonstrate how to create rich flavor and satisfying texture while keeping weeknight prep quick by using a food processor.
Children ages 11 - 14 may register and attend ONLY if a supervising adult registers and attends with them. An adult can supervise a maximum of two children. All attendees, adults and children, must register.
