Check Currents or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
Intro to Adobe Illustrator
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, November 30, 2022 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basic features of Adobe Illustrator. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and explore the program through hands-on instruction. No experience is required!
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, November 30, 2022 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basic features of Adobe Illustrator. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and explore the program through hands-on instruction. No experience is required!
Canning: Holiday Jams and Jellies
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, November 30, 2022 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get started preparing holiday gifts from the kitchen. Join the University of Maryland Extension for hands-on experience with preparing and water-bath canning jams and jellies.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, November 30, 2022 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get started preparing holiday gifts from the kitchen. Join the University of Maryland Extension for hands-on experience with preparing and water-bath canning jams and jellies.
Holiday Appetizers Demo
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 1, 2022 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Impress your family and friends with these delicious bite-size treats. Recipes in this demo class will include baked cranberry brie, bacon-wrapped blue cheese stuffed dates, and crab and lobster stuffed mushrooms.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 1, 2022 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Impress your family and friends with these delicious bite-size treats. Recipes in this demo class will include baked cranberry brie, bacon-wrapped blue cheese stuffed dates, and crab and lobster stuffed mushrooms.
Create a Personalized Wooden Holiday Ornament
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 1, 2022 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create a simple, personalized wood ornament on our Epilog Fusion Pro laser. We'll learn the basics of using Adobe Illustrator to design for laser and you'll get to watch your ornament being made. Previous laser design experience is helpful, but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 1, 2022 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create a simple, personalized wood ornament on our Epilog Fusion Pro laser. We'll learn the basics of using Adobe Illustrator to design for laser and you'll get to watch your ornament being made. Previous laser design experience is helpful, but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.
Learn to Solder
Exploration Commons
Friday, December 2, 2022 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Soldering is fun and fundamental to a wide assortment of maker electronic projects as well as modern technology. From simple light-up LEDs to complex robots, solder is the glue that holds the technological world together. Join us for a hands-on project where you will assemble and solder your very own electronic dice circuit.
Exploration Commons
Friday, December 2, 2022 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Soldering is fun and fundamental to a wide assortment of maker electronic projects as well as modern technology. From simple light-up LEDs to complex robots, solder is the glue that holds the technological world together. Join us for a hands-on project where you will assemble and solder your very own electronic dice circuit.
¡Parranda! Traditional Puerto Rican Holiday Eats
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 3, 2022 - 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 10 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join guest presenters Diana Almodovar and Javier Toro as we make traditional Puerto Rican recipes in time for the holidays! In this hands-on class, we will prepare non-alcoholic coquito, empanadas de yuca, and yuca en escabeche, which are sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. Children ages 10 - 14 are welcome to attend with a registered adult.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 3, 2022 - 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 10 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join guest presenters Diana Almodovar and Javier Toro as we make traditional Puerto Rican recipes in time for the holidays! In this hands-on class, we will prepare non-alcoholic coquito, empanadas de yuca, and yuca en escabeche, which are sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. Children ages 10 - 14 are welcome to attend with a registered adult.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 5, 2022 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This beginner-level laser cutter class will walk you through the basics of design, machine use, and safety procedures. Customers who successfully complete this program will be certified for use of Exploration Commons’ Fusion Pro 48 laser.
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 5, 2022 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This beginner-level laser cutter class will walk you through the basics of design, machine use, and safety procedures. Customers who successfully complete this program will be certified for use of Exploration Commons’ Fusion Pro 48 laser.
Cook with Collision Course: The Art of Delicious Egg Rolls
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 6, 2022 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join guest Chef Anthony Gerald and Ashley Gerald, of Collision Course, a southern-inspired restaurant coming soon to downtown Westminster! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn the secrets to making delicious egg rolls along with flavorful dipping sauces.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 6, 2022 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join guest Chef Anthony Gerald and Ashley Gerald, of Collision Course, a southern-inspired restaurant coming soon to downtown Westminster! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn the secrets to making delicious egg rolls along with flavorful dipping sauces.
Hello Python
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 7, 2022 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Interested in learning Python but don't know where to start? Join us for an introductory look at the Python programming language, resources for learning, and a general open discussion about programming.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 7, 2022 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Interested in learning Python but don't know where to start? Join us for an introductory look at the Python programming language, resources for learning, and a general open discussion about programming.
Kids Intro to Basic Sewing Skills
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 8, 2022 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 10 - 16
Registration and more information
Learn the necessary basics to feel comfortable using a sewing machine. This is a beginner-level class; you will leave feeling confident about the next steps to take toward sewing your own projects.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 8, 2022 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 10 - 16
Registration and more information
Learn the necessary basics to feel comfortable using a sewing machine. This is a beginner-level class; you will leave feeling confident about the next steps to take toward sewing your own projects.
Mindful Munching
Exploration Commons
Friday, December 9, 2022 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The holidays can be a stressful time, surrounded by all sorts of tasty temptations. How can we fully enjoy holiday treats without guilt? Learn techniques to reduce stress and fully immerse yourself in a food experience that will leave you feeling more satisfied with your food choices. We will make a tasty treat to test out what you learned! This program is in partnership with Tevis Center for Wellness, Carroll Hospital.
Exploration Commons
Friday, December 9, 2022 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The holidays can be a stressful time, surrounded by all sorts of tasty temptations. How can we fully enjoy holiday treats without guilt? Learn techniques to reduce stress and fully immerse yourself in a food experience that will leave you feeling more satisfied with your food choices. We will make a tasty treat to test out what you learned! This program is in partnership with Tevis Center for Wellness, Carroll Hospital.
Engrave a Cocoa Mug
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 10, 2022 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Warm up from the cold with this makerspace/kitchen class! We’ll use design software and our Fusion Pro Laser Cutter to engrave custom designs on mugs. Then, head to the kitchen for a hot chocolate tasting.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 10, 2022 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Warm up from the cold with this makerspace/kitchen class! We’ll use design software and our Fusion Pro Laser Cutter to engrave custom designs on mugs. Then, head to the kitchen for a hot chocolate tasting.
Sewing Skills: Sewing Patterns Demystified
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn about using commercial and indie sewing patterns, measuring for size, and how to interpret and navigate written instructions. This is a beginner-friendly class, no sewing experience is required.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn about using commercial and indie sewing patterns, measuring for size, and how to interpret and navigate written instructions. This is a beginner-friendly class, no sewing experience is required.
Soundscaping: Intro to FL Studio and Roland Keyboard
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: Adults
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 found in our very own Roland FP-90X keyboard.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: Adults
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 found in our very own Roland FP-90X keyboard.
Tea Types & Tastings
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 14, 2022 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Taste the major tea types and learn to steep the perfect cup of tea.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 14, 2022 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Taste the major tea types and learn to steep the perfect cup of tea.
Steamed Buns and Dumplings
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 14, 2022 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we will prepare Asian-styled steamed buns and dumplings, along with tasty dipping sauces.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 14, 2022 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we will prepare Asian-styled steamed buns and dumplings, along with tasty dipping sauces.
Intro to CNC Routing
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 15, 2022 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This two-part program will introduce you to the basics of design, machine use, and safety procedures for our Iconic i2015 CNC router. Session one will focus on project design and the VCarve software. Session two covers machine use, including hands-on time with the CNC machine. Customers who successfully complete both sessions of this program will be certified for use of Exploration Commons’ CNC machine.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 15, 2022 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This two-part program will introduce you to the basics of design, machine use, and safety procedures for our Iconic i2015 CNC router. Session one will focus on project design and the VCarve software. Session two covers machine use, including hands-on time with the CNC machine. Customers who successfully complete both sessions of this program will be certified for use of Exploration Commons’ CNC machine.
All program registrants must complete the prerequisite online Iconic CNC Machine Use and Safety Training prior to attending the first session of this program.
Advanced Laser Cutting: Epilog Dashboard
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 15, 2022 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this session, we will take a closer look at the Epilog Dashboard to gain a better understanding of the Fusion Pro's abilities. Topics include color mapping and camera-based artwork alignment.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 15, 2022 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this session, we will take a closer look at the Epilog Dashboard to gain a better understanding of the Fusion Pro's abilities. Topics include color mapping and camera-based artwork alignment.
Fusion Pro Laser Cutter Certification is required prior to attending this program.
Intro to CNC Routing
Exploration Commons
Friday, December 16, 2022 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This two-part program will introduce you to the basics of design, machine use, and safety procedures for our Iconic i2015 CNC router. Session one will focus on project design and the VCarve software. Session two covers machine use, including hands-on time with the CNC machine. Customers who successfully complete both sessions of this program will be certified for use of Exploration Commons’ CNC machine.
Exploration Commons
Friday, December 16, 2022 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This two-part program will introduce you to the basics of design, machine use, and safety procedures for our Iconic i2015 CNC router. Session one will focus on project design and the VCarve software. Session two covers machine use, including hands-on time with the CNC machine. Customers who successfully complete both sessions of this program will be certified for use of Exploration Commons’ CNC machine.
All program registrants must complete the prerequisite online Iconic CNC Machine Use and Safety Training prior to attending the first session of this program.
First Anniversary Maker Expo
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 17, 2022 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Ages:
More information
We're celebrating our one-year anniversary in Exploration Commons! Stop by any time between 10am-1pm to interact with customers who have created projects and learned new software in our makerspace. Nearly 20 makers will have tables set up in our Large Meeting Room where attendees can see their projects, chat about their experiences in Exploration Commons, and even do some holiday shopping. Several presenters will sell holiday goods at their table!
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 17, 2022 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Ages:
More information
We're celebrating our one-year anniversary in Exploration Commons! Stop by any time between 10am-1pm to interact with customers who have created projects and learned new software in our makerspace. Nearly 20 makers will have tables set up in our Large Meeting Room where attendees can see their projects, chat about their experiences in Exploration Commons, and even do some holiday shopping. Several presenters will sell holiday goods at their table!
We will have raffles every hour for attendees that include free program vouchers and handmade goods from our makerspace.
Purchase some stocking stuffers from our teaching kitchen like chocolate dipped pretzels. Donate at our Spice Drive during your visit (donate spices for our local food banks and shelters).
Family Baking Class: Chocolate Lovers
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 17, 2022 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on baking class, we’ll make molten chocolate lava cakes and hot cocoa. One registration per family, up to four people. For families with children ages 6 and up; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 17, 2022 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on baking class, we’ll make molten chocolate lava cakes and hot cocoa. One registration per family, up to four people. For families with children ages 6 and up; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 19, 2022 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This beginner-level laser cutter class will walk you through the basics of design, machine use, and safety procedures. Customers who successfully complete this program will be certified for use of Exploration Commons’ Fusion Pro 48 laser.
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 19, 2022 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This beginner-level laser cutter class will walk you through the basics of design, machine use, and safety procedures. Customers who successfully complete this program will be certified for use of Exploration Commons’ Fusion Pro 48 laser.
