Upcoming Events
Check Currents publication (PDF) or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
What's in Season: Zucchini
Thursday, August 20, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we will prepare a trio of recipes centered around this summer garden favorite, as well as discuss additional ideas for this prolific summer grower.
Intro to Carvera CNC
Friday, August 21, 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.
All program registrants must complete the Prerequisite Module for the In-Person Carvera Desktop CNC Class before attending this program.
Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the Carvera CNC independently.
First Timers Baking Basics: Fresh Fruit Tarts
Saturday, August 22, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will make sweet and tender Pâte Sucrée Tart Shells and rich Vanilla Pastry Cream, then top them off with beautiful fruit patterns.
Registration for this class is for first-time Teaching Kitchen program attendees. Please do not register for this program if you have previously taken one of our kitchen programs.
Open Sewing Studio (Bring Your Own Sewing Machine)
Saturday, August 22, 2026 - 10:00am - 2:00pmAges: 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, August 22, 2026 - 10:00am - 2:00pmAges: 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.
Intermediate Cricut: Learn How to Deboss Like a Boss
Monday, August 24, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will go beyond the basics of Cricut design and learn how to deboss and emboss paper. Participants will create a custom design in Adobe Illustrator and then make a deboss sample to take home. Previous Cricut experience is required, as this is an intermediate-level class.
What's in Season: Zucchini
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 - 10:30am - 12:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we will prepare a trio of recipes centered around this summer garden favorite, as well as discuss additional ideas for this prolific summer grower.
Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Tuesday, August 25, 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.
Blue Foods: Learn, Create, Taste
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on cooking class, participants will learn about blue foods—nutrient-rich ingredients from the ocean, including seaweed and bivalves—through a brief informational session. Then, put knowledge into practice by preparing a fresh, flavorful seaweed salad.
Reels, TikToks, Shorts, and More: Using Premiere Pro for Social Media
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:30amAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to make social media video posts using Adobe Premiere Pro! Engage audiences and edit several videos into a final product to be used in Reels, TikToks, Shorts, and more. Taught by an industry-level social media influencer with over a decade of hands-on experience, this class is great for business owners, content creators, and individuals looking to make a splash online.
Classic Recreations: Honey Buns
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn to recreate one of the most iconic packaged pastries around…Honey Buns! In this two-day class, participants will make Honey Buns completely from scratch.
Day 1:
You will make the Honey Bun dough from scratch. While the dough chills and rises in the fridge overnight, you will make the sweet glaze.
Day 2:
You will roll out the dough and roll them into that iconic swirl shape. They will get fried then glazed over.
Engraved Metal Business Cards
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 - 4:00pm - 6:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will be engraving a metal business card 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 Laser Cutter Certification. You may bring custom images with you, preferably on a thumb drive, if you already have an idea in mind.
Laser Skills: Etching on Fabric
Thursday, August 27, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn to use the Fusion Pro Laser to create etched designs on various types of fabric. We will review settings and considerations when etching fabric for the best results. All materials will be provided. You must have Laser Certification to register for this class.
Classic Recreations: Honey Buns
Thursday, August 27, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn to recreate one of the most iconic packaged pastries around…Honey Buns! In this two-day class, participants will make Honey Buns completely from scratch.
Day 1:
You will make the Honey Bun dough from scratch. While the dough chills and rises in the fridge overnight, you will make the sweet glaze.
Day 2:
You will roll out the dough and roll them into that iconic swirl shape. They will get fried then glazed over.
Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Cooking Demo
Thursday, August 27, 2026 - 6:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 13 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Tikka Masala is a popular Indian food featuring a spiced creamy tomato sauce. This demo class features Chicken Tikka Masala and how to make homemade garam masala spice blend.
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.
