Exploration Commons will be closed Tuesday, April 23, 2024 for a statewide training. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Check Currents or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
Digitizing Sewing Patterns
Exploration Commons
Thursday, April 18, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class, participants will explore the basics of pattern digitizing. Pattern digitizing is the process of transforming paper sewing patterns into digital files with computer-aided design (CAD) systems for preservation, editing, and storage. Learn how to transfer your paper sewing patterns to digital files for storage, printing, or laser cutting. Some experience with design software is required for this class.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, April 18, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class, participants will explore the basics of pattern digitizing. Pattern digitizing is the process of transforming paper sewing patterns into digital files with computer-aided design (CAD) systems for preservation, editing, and storage. Learn how to transfer your paper sewing patterns to digital files for storage, printing, or laser cutting. Some experience with design software is required for this class.
Sweet and Savory Waffles
Exploration Commons
Thursday, April 18, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Pass the syrup! In this class, you'll make and taste sweet and savory varieties of this breakfast favorite. Recipes will include Banana Oatmeal, Apple Fritter, Cheddar Bacon Jalapeño, Pulled Pork, and Belgian Coffee.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, April 18, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Pass the syrup! In this class, you'll make and taste sweet and savory varieties of this breakfast favorite. Recipes will include Banana Oatmeal, Apple Fritter, Cheddar Bacon Jalapeño, Pulled Pork, and Belgian Coffee.
Advanced Laser Cutting: Precision Techniques
Exploration Commons
Saturday, April 20, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
We will discuss precision techniques to improve your laser project outcomes. Topics will include centering-point alignment, printed registration marks, using jigs or templates, and the importance of maintaining a settings notebook. Exploration Commons Laser certification is required prior to attending this program.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, April 20, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
We will discuss precision techniques to improve your laser project outcomes. Topics will include centering-point alignment, printed registration marks, using jigs or templates, and the importance of maintaining a settings notebook. Exploration Commons Laser certification is required prior to attending this program.
Basic Knife Skills
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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.
Be a Coffee Connoisseur!
Exploration Commons
Thursday, April 25, 2024 - 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Take a trip around the world of coffee! Learn about bean origins, roasting temperatures, and types of grinding to brew the perfect cup of joe! Sample several varieties and evaluate using coffee flavor descriptors.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, April 25, 2024 - 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Take a trip around the world of coffee! Learn about bean origins, roasting temperatures, and types of grinding to brew the perfect cup of joe! Sample several varieties and evaluate using coffee flavor descriptors.
Intro to Adobe Illustrator
Exploration Commons
Thursday, April 25, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
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
Thursday, April 25, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
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!
CNC and Fusion 360 Demo
Exploration Commons
Friday, April 26, 2024 - 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Fusion 360 can generate toolpaths for subtractive manufacturing using CNC machines like our CNC router. We'll examine the design and manufacturing process of a simple 3D milling project and the learning pathways to becoming proficient in using Fusion 360. This demonstration assumes no prior CAD or CAM knowledge, but having previous experience with Fusion is extremely helpful; manufacturing with Fusion is an intermediate skill.
Exploration Commons
Friday, April 26, 2024 - 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Fusion 360 can generate toolpaths for subtractive manufacturing using CNC machines like our CNC router. We'll examine the design and manufacturing process of a simple 3D milling project and the learning pathways to becoming proficient in using Fusion 360. This demonstration assumes no prior CAD or CAM knowledge, but having previous experience with Fusion is extremely helpful; manufacturing with Fusion is an intermediate skill.
Family Baking: Cinnamon Star Bread
Exploration Commons
Saturday, April 27, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Shape and bake a delicious Cinnamon Star Bread using pre-made dough.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, April 27, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Shape and bake a delicious Cinnamon Star Bread using pre-made dough.
Registration is for one child age 6+ and one adult plus up to two additional attendees per family. Please indicate the attendees' names and the children's ages at registration. One registration per group covers up to four people.
Laser Engraved Personal Recipe Card and Box
Exploration Commons
Monday, April 29, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create a kitchen keepsake by turning a handwritten recipe into an engraved wooden recipe card! We'll learn some of the basics of Adobe Illustrator as we create a custom recipe box label and utilize scanning to bring our handwritten recipes into a digital, engravable format. Previous laser design experience is helpful but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.
Exploration Commons
Monday, April 29, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create a kitchen keepsake by turning a handwritten recipe into an engraved wooden recipe card! We'll learn some of the basics of Adobe Illustrator as we create a custom recipe box label and utilize scanning to bring our handwritten recipes into a digital, engravable format. Previous laser design experience is helpful but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.
Sewing: Serger Basics
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class, you will learn about the sewing, cutting, proper threading, and operating basics of the versatile serger/overlock sewing machine. You will be inspired to incorporate serger/overlock techniques into your sewing projects to achieve better results. This is a beginner-level class, and no sewing experience is required. This program includes Exploration Commons Serger Certification for independent use.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class, you will learn about the sewing, cutting, proper threading, and operating basics of the versatile serger/overlock sewing machine. You will be inspired to incorporate serger/overlock techniques into your sewing projects to achieve better results. This is a beginner-level class, and no sewing experience is required. This program includes Exploration Commons Serger Certification for independent use.
Baking Techniques Two-Day Class: Croissants
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of dough lamination on day one. On day two, participants will bake croissants and pain au chocolat.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of dough lamination on day one. On day two, participants will bake croissants and pain au chocolat.
Baking Techniques Two-Day Class: Croissants
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 - 10:00am - 1:15pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of dough lamination on day one. On day two, participants will bake croissants and pain au chocolat.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 - 10:00am - 1:15pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of dough lamination on day one. On day two, participants will bake croissants and pain au chocolat.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
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 Exploration Commons' Fusion Pro and Fusion Edge laser cutters.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
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 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.
Intro to CNC Routing
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 2, 2024 - 10:00am - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This one-day CNC certification class will introduce you to the design basics, machine use, and safety procedures for our Iconic i2015 CNC router. We will focus on project design and the VCarve software in the morning session. We will cover machine use in the afternoon, including hands-on time with the CNC machine. There will be a break from 12 - 1 PM between the morning and afternoon sessions.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 2, 2024 - 10:00am - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This one-day CNC certification class will introduce you to the design basics, machine use, and safety procedures for our Iconic i2015 CNC router. We will focus on project design and the VCarve software in the morning session. We will cover machine use in the afternoon, including hands-on time with the CNC machine. There will be a break from 12 - 1 PM between the morning and afternoon sessions.
All program registrants must complete the prerequisite online Iconic CNC Machine Use and Safety Training before attending the first session of this program.
At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete both sessions of this program will be certified to use Exploration Commons' CNC machine. Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the CNC router independently.
Getting Started with CLO 3D Fashion Design Software
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 2, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of creating a 3D avatar and accessing the 2D T-shirt block in CLO 3D. We will learn how to create a virtual dress for your avatar and show how to send the pattern to the printer to create a real-world sewing pattern. This is a beginner-level class.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 2, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of creating a 3D avatar and accessing the 2D T-shirt block in CLO 3D. We will learn how to create a virtual dress for your avatar and show how to send the pattern to the printer to create a real-world sewing pattern. This is a beginner-level class.
Kentucky Hot Browns
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 2, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich is a meal-worthy dish that's over-the-top delicious! Make open-faced sandwiches with thick slices of roasted turkey and fresh tomatoes on top of a thick piece of toasted bread, all smothered in a rich, cheesy mornay sauce, broiled, and topped with crispy bacon. We'll also make a mock mint julep to celebrate the upcoming horse race.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 2, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich is a meal-worthy dish that's over-the-top delicious! Make open-faced sandwiches with thick slices of roasted turkey and fresh tomatoes on top of a thick piece of toasted bread, all smothered in a rich, cheesy mornay sauce, broiled, and topped with crispy bacon. We'll also make a mock mint julep to celebrate the upcoming horse race.
Intro to 3D Printing and Design with Tinkercad
Exploration Commons
Friday, May 3, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of using Tinkercad to design for 3D printing! We'll walk through basic 3D design using Tinkercad software and create a simple project to be 3D printed. No previous design experience is necessary!
Exploration Commons
Friday, May 3, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of using Tinkercad to design for 3D printing! We'll walk through basic 3D design using Tinkercad software and create a simple project to be 3D printed. No previous design experience is necessary!
Wok Cooking Basics
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 4, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: Adults
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 the new cooking skill.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 4, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: Adults
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 the new cooking skill.
Cooking for Wellness: Building Better Salads
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 6, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn to make salads exciting! Join dietitian Dana Mealing in creating nutritious, crave-worthy salads. Go beyond iceberg lettuce with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of cheese – discover the art of vibrant salads that make eating more vegetables easy. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 6, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn to make salads exciting! Join dietitian Dana Mealing in creating nutritious, crave-worthy salads. Go beyond iceberg lettuce with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of cheese – discover the art of vibrant salads that make eating more vegetables easy. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.
Family Cooking: Empanadas
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 6, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a family cooking class to celebrate Cinco de Mayo (one day late) with scratch empanadas!
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 6, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a family cooking class to celebrate Cinco de Mayo (one day late) with scratch empanadas!
Registration is for one child age 6+ and one adult plus up to two additional attendees per family. Please indicate the attendees' names and the children's ages at registration. One registration per group of up to four.
Intermediate Laser Cutting: Designing for Different Materials
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
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 various materials. Attendees will learn how to optimize their workflow with several different material options.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
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 various materials. Attendees will learn how to optimize their workflow with several different material options.
Fusion Pro Laser Cutter Certification is required prior to attending this program.
Cooking Demo: Spiralized Veggies
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get inspired to add a little creativity to your recipes with a spiralizer. Learn and sample dishes utilizing this fun kitchen tool that can help you add more veggies to your meals or entice reluctant eaters with this novel presentation.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get inspired to add a little creativity to your recipes with a spiralizer. Learn and sample dishes utilizing this fun kitchen tool that can help you add more veggies to your meals or entice reluctant eaters with this novel presentation.
Intro to Adobe Illustrator
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 9, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
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
Thursday, May 9, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
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!
