Upcoming Events
Check Currents publication (PDF) or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
Cheese Basics: Taste & Explore
Saturday, August 29, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:00pmAges: 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.
Peach Melba Galette with Brown Sugar Crust
Monday, August 31, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we will make a simple but delicious rustic pie with a brown sugar crust and a fresh sweet peach and raspberry filling. Served warm, we will top it off with a freshly made spiced whipped cream.
Laser Basics: Rotary Engraving
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn the basics of rotary laser. Learn how rotary attachments allow laser cutters to engrave curved and cylindrical objects such as cups, bottles, and glassware. This class will cover rotary setup, material positioning, artwork preparation, and machine operation while introducing best practices for successful engraving on rounded surfaces.
As part of the class project, each participant will engrave a custom design onto a stemless wine glass to take home.
Tabletop Tuesday: Custom Miniature Figures on the Laser
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Level up game night with our Tabletop Tuesday programs! In this class, participants will make a custom miniature wooden figure for role-playing games using Adobe Illustrator and the Epilog Fusion laser. Participants will have the option of using generative AI to generate a custom avatar, if desired. No prior experience designing or using the laser is required.
Easy Salmon Bowls
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 - 1:00pm - 2:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on class, you'll learn how to perfectly cook salmon, prepare fresh toppings, and create a balanced meal that's easy to customize at home.
Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to make a quick and flavorful beef and broccoli stir-fry that is perfect for busy weeknights. In this hands-on class, you'll prepare a recipe that is faster than ordering take-out and tastes even better.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Make a Thread Catcher (Class 1)
Thursday, September 3, 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.
Laser Cutting Refresher
Thursday, September 3, 2026 - 1:30pm - 4:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class 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.
Making Movies: Intro to Premiere Pro
Thursday, September 3, 2026 - 6:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 12 - 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!
Pairs Cook: Asian-American Takeout Favorites
Friday, September 4, 2026 - 10:30am - 12:30pmAges: 10 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Duos! Join us for an Asian-American feast! Each registration is for one DUO team, which must include at least one adult over age 18. Duos will work to make one traditional takeout favorite, which will be shared buffet-style at the end for all to enjoy:
- Crab Rangoons
- Chicken Lo Mein
- Shrimp Fried Rice
- Orange Chicken and White Rice
- American Chinese Buffet Donuts
- Chinese-style Garlic Green Beans
Sewing: Embroidery Machine Basics
Saturday, September 5, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This introductory class is the first step in our two-step Embroidery Machine Certification process. Through lecture and demonstration, you'll learn the basics of machine embroidery and how to operate our Bernina 535 Embroidery Machine. We will discuss the tools and materials you need to create a successful project.
To complete the certification process, attendees may attend the Hybrid Embroidery Machine Certification class or use the online form to schedule an individual skill verification appointment.
Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to make a quick and flavorful beef and broccoli stir-fry that is perfect for busy weeknights. In this hands-on class, you'll prepare a recipe that is faster than ordering take-out and tastes even better.
Engraved Leatherette Trays
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this program, attendees will design custom artwork to be engraved on leatherette trays for board games, to hold trinkets, and much more.
Cooking Tech: Whisk Assessment Prompting and Plating
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn all about cooking with AI!
Are you ready for some friendly cooking competition?
After a presentation on cooking with AI, two teams of eight will face off to compare AI vs. traditional recipes and techniques.
Each team will prepare two recipes from a mystery basket of ingredients to present to a panel of judges. We'll taste and score each dish and compare the results.
Presented in partnership with Molly Sherman, Executive Director, Carroll Technology & Innovation Council.
Edge-Lit Acrylic Signs: Fall Edition
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this program, you’ll laser engrave fall-themed artwork of your choice onto a piece of clear acrylic and light it up with a provided multi-color LED light stand. Choose from a selection of fall-themed cutout 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.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Make a Canvas Tote (Class 2)
Thursday, September 10, 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.
Easy Salmon Bowls
Thursday, September 10, 2026 - 10:30am - 12:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on class, you'll learn how to perfectly cook salmon, prepare fresh toppings, and create a balanced meal that's easy to customize at home.
Editing Audio in Audacity
Thursday, September 10, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Audacity is a free-to-use audio editing software available at Exploration Commons. In this class you will get a hands-on walkthrough of the main features and tools this software provides!
Making for Ag: Laser Engraved Horse Blanket Tags
Thursday, September 10, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Attention equestrians: learn how to use digital design software and EC's lasers to organize some of your equine supplies! Join us for a basic hands-on session where we'll use Adobe Illustrator to create customized laser engraved anodized aluminum horse blanket tags and watch your project being made on our 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.
