Upcoming Events
Check Currents publication (PDF) or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
Editing Audio in Audacity
Wednesday, June 3, 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!
Laser Cutting Refresher
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 - 4:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 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.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Boxy Zippered Pouch (Class 4)
Thursday, June 4, 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. Practice adding a zipper to a sturdy, boxy pouch known as a Dopp bag. You will learn about adding a zipper to fully lined bags, using edge stitching, and how to box corners.
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.
Intermediate Laser Skills: Designing Inlay Projects
Thursday, June 4, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Build your laser design skills and improve your Adobe Illustrator workflow in this intermediate class. Explore the key factors in cutting inlay designs, learn how to measure kerf, and edit files for accurate results. This class focuses on inlay designs where laser-cut pieces are sized to fit together. Registration requires Laser Certification and basic Adobe Illustrator experience.
Cooking Basics: Salad Dressing
Thursday, June 4, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Ever wonder how to make the delicious vinaigrettes and salad dressings you find at most restaurants? This class will teach you the proper ingredient ratios and techniques as well as how to dress a salad properly.
Create a Marble Maze with the CNC
Saturday, June 6, 2026 - 1:30pm - 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 CNC Certification for independent use.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Monday, June 8, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: 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.)
Intro to Carvera CNC
Monday, June 8, 2026 - 4:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This two-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. The first session may end earlier than the given time.
Successful completion of the Prerequisite Module for the In-Person Carvera CNC Class is required prior to attending this class.
Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the CNC machine independently.
Making for Seniors: Engrave a Simple Anodized Aluminum Project
Tuesday, June 9, 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 project to be engraved on an anodized aluminum item and watch your project being made on our Fusion Pro Laser Cutter. 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.
Italian Biscotti
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to make crispy, twice-baked Italian Biscotti Cookies. Each table will make a different flavor batch to be split evenly among registrants. We'll make espresso drinks while the cookies bake so we can enjoy our biscotti as a traditional treat dipped in coffee!
Prehistoric Projects: Laser-Engraved Dinosaur Puzzles
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 8 - 12
Class registration and more information
Come celebrate Summer Reading with a special prehistoric project: laser-engraved dinosaur puzzles! This is a pairs-making class. It is intended for one child that is 8-12 years old and one Exploration Commons laser-certified adult. Each adult may only be registered with one child. Registrations that do not have an adult listed who is already laser-certified will be cancelled.
Each registration must include:
One child aged 8-12
One adult who is Exploration Commons laser-certified
Sewing Skills: Interfacing Basics
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to use interfacing to improve the structure and finish of your sewing projects. This beginner-level class will introduce common types of interfacing and explain when and how to use them in both garment and project construction. Students will work with different types of interfacing and leave with samples. The class will also review sewing terminology and construction concepts. Resource handouts will be provided.
Class Prerequisites: Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
Required Materials: A sewing machine and all materials will be provided.
Next Steps with Onshape
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 - 1:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Welcome to the world of 3D modeling and design. In this class, we will review the computer-aided design (CAD) software Onshape by diving into the fundamentals and techniques to make a claw assembly. It is recommended that you have taken an Introduction to Onshape and 3D Printing class or are familiar with Onshape before taking this class.
Wok Cooking Basics
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on class, gain an introductory understanding of wok cooking and learn how to prepare your recipe for the best results. We will prepare a plant-based recipe to practice our new cooking skill.
Class format: Class capacity is 10 people. Registrants will cook with one other attendee in this class to prepare a dish to share between them.
Basic Knife Skills
Thursday, June 11, 2026 - 1:00pm - 2:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This hands-on class will cover everything you need to know about caring for your knives and how to use them. You'll learn how to chop, dice, and mince and get plenty of practice with other professional cuts. This is a beginner class.
Intro to Carvera CNC
Thursday, June 11, 2026 - 4:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This two-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. The first session may end earlier than the given time.
Successful completion of the Prerequisite Module for the In-Person Carvera CNC Class is required prior to attending this class.
Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the CNC machine independently.
Open Sewing Studio (Bring Your Own Sewing Machine)
Saturday, June 13, 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, June 13, 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 Laser Cutting
Saturday, June 13, 2026 - 1:30pm - 4:00pmAges: 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.)
Italian Biscotti
Monday, June 15, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to make crispy, twice-baked Italian Biscotti Cookies. Each table will make a different flavor batch to be split evenly among registrants. We'll make espresso drinks while the cookies bake so we can enjoy our biscotti as a traditional treat dipped in coffee!
Creating Jewelry with Makerspace Technology
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:30amAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn about the types of jewelry you can make with our makerspace technology. We will review the available equipment, selecting appropriate materials, and setting up design files for success. Using Adobe Illustrator and the Epilog Fusion Pro Laser, participants will make either a pair of earrings or a necklace to take home. This is an introductory-level program; no previous experience with design software or laser cutting (or certification) is required.
Next Steps with Adobe Illustrator: Image Tracing
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 - 4:30pm - 6:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will be going over the image trace feature in Adobe Illustrator. We will be looking at a few different images and going over the multiple options of image tracing to get the best result for each image. Previous experience with Adobe Illustrator is recommended but not required.
Kids Bake: Mini Fruit Tarts
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 - 11:00am - 1:00pmAges: 10 - 17
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will make sweet and tender mini Pâte Sucrée Tart Shells and rich Vanilla Pastry Cream, then top them off with beautiful fruit patterns.
