Machine Project in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles is an educational institution that teaches whatever Executive Director and Founder Mark Allen and his loose group of artist/performer collaborators find interesting: electronics, sewing, pickling, computer programming, and car theft—among other niche topics not otherwise supported by educational institutions in the LA area. The artist, educator, and curator has directed over 1,000 free events, workshops, and installations at the non-commercial gallery space since its founding in 2003.

http://machineproject.com/projects/
http://www.markallen.com/