Upcoming Events
Check Currents publication (PDF) or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
Open Sewing Studio (Bring Your Own Sewing Machine)
Saturday, February 21, 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, February 21, 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.
Intro to Carvera CNC
Saturday, February 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 - 1 PM between the morning and afternoon sessions.
Successful completion of the Prerequisite Module for the In-Person Carvera CNC Class is required prior to attending this class.
At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete this program will be certified to use Exploration Commons' Carvera CNC machine. Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the laser independently.
Baking Basics: Coffee Cake Banana Bread
Monday, February 23, 2026 - 2:30pm - 4:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
It’s National Banana Bread Day, and we’re going bananas! Join us for a fun, hands-on class where you’ll mash, mix, sprinkle, and bake your way to a tasty Coffee Cake Banana Bread—complete with a buttery cinnamon streusel topping twist that makes every slice irresistible.
Intermediate Laser Cutting: Photoshop for Laser Engraving
Monday, February 23, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class we will focus on editing photos in Adobe Photoshop to get the best results with our Fusion Pro and Fusion Edge laser engravers.
Laser certification is required prior to attending this program.
Making for Good: Community Garden Tags
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
The Finksburg Branch of CCPL needs our help! Their gardens are filled with many types of plants, and our task is to create engraved metal plate tags to identify them. Put your laser skills to use in this Making for Good class, where all items will be used so the community can enjoy learning more about the Finksburg Branch Garden. All attendees must be laser-certified to participate. This program will take place at Exploration Commons.
Making for Good: Community Garden Tags
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
The Finksburg Branch of CCPL needs our help! Their gardens are filled with many types of plants, and our task is to create engraved metal plate tags to identify them. Put your laser skills to use in this Making for Good class, where all items will be used so the community can enjoy learning more about the Finksburg Branch Garden. All attendees must be laser-certified to participate. This program will take place at Exploration Commons.
Cooking Basics: Chicken Noodle Soup
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Ideal for beginning cooks! In this hands-on class, participants prepare a weeknight chicken noodle soup recipe.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Make a Thread Catcher (Class 1)
Thursday, February 26, 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.
Soup & Salad: A Cozy Vegetarian Pairing
Thursday, February 26, 2026 - 11:00am - 12:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will make a comforting but simple vegetarian soup and fresh salad while learning how to bloom spices and whisk up a simple vinaigrette. Together, we’ll create a cozy, flavorful meal perfect for any season.
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.
