Upcoming Events

Intermediate Laser Cutting: Designing Custom Puzzles
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this intermediate-level laser design class, we will demonstrate and teach users how to design their custom-cut puzzles using different tools in Adobe Illustrator and Epilog's laser cutting software. 

Fusion Pro Laser Cutter Certification is required prior to attending this program.

Holiday Creations: Design and Engrave a Gift Box
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Customize your own gift box design on our Epilog Fusion Pro laser. Participants will create their own designs using images and text in Adobe Illustrator. You will leave with a beautifully engraved gift box, perfect for any occasion. No previous experience is necessary, and laser certification is not required.

Holiday Sewing: Reversible Stocking
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Make a reversible holiday stocking in this class. Get further acquainted with the sewing machine and basic sewing tools. In this class, you will learn about:

• sewing curves
• trimming and notching to ensure a smooth outer surface
• how to incorporate a hanging tab 

Apply these skills and more to create a 12" x 18" reversible stocking with a mock cuffed top and hanging tag. Instructions for personalizing your stocking will be included. 

Prerequisites:

• Intro to Basic Sewing Skills and/or have EC sewing machine certification

Materials: A sewing machine and all necessary materials will be provided.

Yule Log
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 10:30am - 2:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will learn how to make a Yule Log, also called a Buche de Noel. This traditional holiday dessert features a chocolate cake with whipped cream filling, which is rolled and decorated to look like a log! Each participant will take one Yule Log home. 

Create a Personalized Wood Holiday Ornament
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create a simple wood ornament with personalized text on our Epilog Fusion Pro laser. We'll learn the basics of using Adobe Illustrator to design for the laser, and then you'll 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.

Homemade Holiday Peppermint Patties
Exploration Commons
Friday, December 6, 2024 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create your own delicious confections for the holidays in this hands-on cooking class.

Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 7, 2024 - 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
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.

Intermediate Laser Cutting: Engraving Painted Canvas
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 9, 2024 - 4:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This intermediate-level laser design class focuses on the differences between creating designs and navigating unique settings on pre-painted paper canvases.

The longer class time is necessary for this program due to the long print times on this material. Fusion Pro Laser Cutter Certification is required prior to attending this program.

Making for Seniors: Create a Simple Wood Gift Tag
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learning new technology should be fun, not intimidating! Join us for a basic hands-on session where we'll create a simple wood gift tag 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.

Intro to Unreal Engine
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Unreal Engine is a collection of tools for game development, content creation, and real-time simulation. In this program, you'll explore the basics of Unreal Engine through an interactive hands-on experience.

Plant-Based Dishes for the Holidays
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we will prepare and taste some plant-based dishes that are perfect for the holiday season.

Plant-Based Dishes for the Holidays
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 12, 2024 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we will prepare and taste some plant-based dishes that are perfect for the holiday season.

ServSafe® Food Handler Course
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 12, 2024 - 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The ServSafe^® Food Handler course, taught by a Certified ServSafe® Instructor, provides basic food safety knowledge. This two-and-a-half-hour class covers five key areas: Basic Food Safety, Personal Hygiene, Cross Contamination and Allergens, Time and Temperature, and Cleaning and Sanitizing. At the end of the class, participants will take the online certification exam and will receive a certificate after passing it (in about one week).

_{©2018 National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (National Restaurant Association). All rights reserved. ServSafe is a trademark of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. National Restaurant Association® and the arc design are trademarks of the National Restaurant Association.}

Gingerbread Joy: Bake and Decorate
Exploration Commons
Friday, December 13, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on baking workshop, participants will learn how to make gingerbread dough from scratch, roll it out, and cut out your own gingerbread cookies. You will then decorate them with a variety of sprinkles and homemade royal icing.

Maker Expo 2024
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 14, 2024 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: All Ages
More information
Join us for our third annual Maker Expo. Customers and staff will showcase and sell handcrafted items in our Large Meeting Room from 10 AM - 1 PM. We will also be collecting spices for our Spice Drive and selling holiday treats from the teaching kitchen. Be sure to bring cash for any vendors who are selling without a digital way to accept payments!

Intro to Reverse Engineering
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 14, 2024 - 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Welcome to the exciting world of reverse engineering! In this introductory class, we'll have a look at how to measure, reconstruct, and edit existing parts using CAD (Computer Aided Design), as well as learn about common design considerations, examine how to measure, reconstruct, and edit existing parts using CAD (Computer Aided Design) and

Custom Laser Engraved Wine Tumblers
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 16, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn some of the basics of the laser's rotary tool as we create a design and engrave it onto our coated metal wine tumblers. These wine tumblers are light blue with a lid. Must be laser-certified for this class!

Teens in the Kitchen: Marshmallows & Hot Cocoa
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 - 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Ages: 13 - 17
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we'll make marshmallows to cut at home and two jars of hot cocoa mix to give as gifts or keep for yourself. 

Festive Kombucha Mocktails
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Looking for non-alcoholic drinks to serve at your holiday celebrations? Join us and learn how to use kombucha to make festive mocktails everyone can enjoy.  

Intro to Audio Recording and Editing
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Welcome to the world of audio recording and editing! Whether you are an aspiring podcaster, voice actor, musician, or simply curious about producing audio, this introductory session will give you a solid start on your journey.

Independent Project Design: Cricut, Laser, CNC, & 3D Printing
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 19, 2024 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Have the makerspace programs sparked your creativity, but you're hesitant to jump into your own independent project? Ready to move beyond step-by-step projects and bring your ideas to life? Over the course of two months, you will design and fabricate a project with guided support from staff.

During the orientation session, we'll discuss project ideas, create goals, and set reasonable expectations for completion. You will work on this project on your own time and have access to up to two one-on-one sessions to review progress, discuss challenges, and get support for moving forward. 

This session specifically focuses on projects using vinyl cutters, laser cutters, CNC machines, or 3D printers. Participants are responsible for providing or purchasing any materials needed for their project.

Special Note: All participants using the laser cutters or Iconic CNC Machine for their projects must be certified before this program.

Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 19, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
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.

Holiday Open Sewing Studio (Bring Your Own Sewing Machine)
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 21, 2024 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Open Sewing Studio is an opportunity to enjoy freestyle sewing with other sewists. Come in and work on your holiday sewing projects in the company of others. A volunteer will be available to answer questions or provide feedback during this program. 

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 for use, click here to register.

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.

Holiday Open Sewing Studio (Reserve a Sewing Machine)
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 21, 2024 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Open Sewing Studio is an opportunity to enjoy freestyle sewing with other sewists. Come in and work on your holiday sewing projects in the company of others. A volunteer will be available to answer questions or provide feedback during this program. 

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, click here to register.

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.

Cooking Together: Marshmallows & Hot Cocoa
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 21, 2024 - 2:00pm - 3:15pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we'll make marshmallows to cut at home and jars of hot cocoa mix to give as gifts or keep for yourself. 

One registration per group, up to four participants. For groups with children ages six and up, children must be accompanied by an adult. 

Holiday Sewing: Reversible Gift Bag
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 23, 2024 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Make a reversible holiday gift bag in this class. Get further acquainted with the sewing machine and basic sewing tools. In this class, you will learn the basics of creating a reversible gift bag with a boxed base and drawstring closure. 

Apply these skills and more to create a 9" x 12" reversible drawstring gift bag. 

Prerequisites:

• Intro to Basic Sewing Skills and/or have EC sewing machine certification

Materials: A sewing machine and all necessary materials will be provided.

Breakfast Teas Types & Tastings
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 23, 2024 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Love breakfast teas? Learn about the history, cultures, and varieties of three popular breakfast teas: Irish, English, and Scottish. Proper brewing techniques and tasting tips will be provided.

3D Printed Presents!
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 23, 2024 - 4:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
'Tis the season of making! And what better way to celebrate than hopping into an introductory 3D printing and design class where you will model your own 3D printed present box!