Upcoming Events
Check Currents publication (PDF) or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
Cooking Basics: Blackened Salmon
Friday, February 13, 2026 - 11:00am - 12:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will master blackened salmon with a homemade smoky spice crust. We’ll cover seasoning, searing, and simple sides for an easy, flavorful meal.
Introduction to Onshape & 3D Printing
Saturday, February 14, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Welcome to the world of 3D modeling, design, and 3D printing. In this introductory class, we will review the computer-aided design (CAD) software Onshape by diving into the fundamentals and techniques to make a 3D-printed keychain.
Laser Cutting Refresher
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 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.
Soup & Salad: A Cozy Vegetarian Pairing
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 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.
Cooking Basics: Crepes
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:00amAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to make sweet crepes from scratch! We'll finish with fruit fillings and a variety of toppings.
Engraved Metal Business Cards
Wednesday, February 18, 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 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.
Sewing Skills: Foundation Piecing Techniques
Thursday, February 19, 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.
Baking Basics: Marshmallow Fondant Snow Friends Cookie Decorating
Thursday, February 19, 2026 - 2:30pm - 4:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Add some sweetness to your winter afternoon! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to make soft, delicious marshmallow fondant from scratch and then learn some fun techniques to use it to decorate adorable snowman and snowflake prebaked sugar cookies. No piping required!
Soundscaping: Intro to FL Studio and Roland Keyboard
Thursday, February 19, 2026 - 6:00pm - 7:30pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn the basics of music creation with an intro to FL Studio and a look into a few of the unique features of our Roland FP-90X keyboard.
Inclusive Cooks: Chicken Noodle Soup
Friday, February 20, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on cooking series for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and people without, we will prepare a hearty chicken noodle soup recipe. Perfect for cold winter days or when you're feeling under the weather.
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.
