Wollongong Pictorial Mafia makes killing in the art world

By Michelle Hoctor
Updated November 6 2012 - 2:40am, first published September 2 2011 - 11:07am
Quiescent Sanctuary  from Michael Jeffrey.
Quiescent Sanctuary from Michael Jeffrey.
Going, Going, Gone, a photograph by snapper Geraldine Lefoe.
Going, Going, Gone, a photograph by snapper Geraldine Lefoe.
Coral Tree   was shot by Craig Powell.
Coral Tree was shot by Craig Powell.
Members of the Wollongong Pictorial Mafia photography group at one of their outdoor shootings. The group will open its exhibition and sale at Project Contemporary Artspace on Wednesday.
Members of the Wollongong Pictorial Mafia photography group at one of their outdoor shootings. The group will open its exhibition and sale at Project Contemporary Artspace on Wednesday.

The Illawarra has its own mafia but the shootings are all in the name of art.Since forming six years ago the Wollongong Pictorial Mafia photography group has built up a steady following.Spokeswoman Lisa Enever, of Horsley, said WPM comprised 20 largely hobbyist snappers whose membership extended interstate, but all had strong links to the Illawarra.The group formed via the photo sharing website Flickr before they started meeting in the "real world"."The whole process is to get a sense of community among the members. That's the best thing about it," Enever said."We've got such a huge range of people. Our youngest member is in early high school and our most experienced is a local photographic legend, Dulcie Dal Molin."Enever, a former real estate photographer, said outings were informal, with an emphasis on fun and learning."Someone will post on Flickr, 'Hey, do you want to do a sunrise shoot on Sunday?' and whoever can come will come along. Or we'll go up to Sydney for the day," she said.Enever said Illawarra scenes were a particular favourite.The group will open its fourth annual photographic exhibition and sale, titled Offers You Can't Refuse, at Wollongong's Project Contemporary Artspace on Wednesday.Opening night will follow on Friday from 6pm and will feature live music by Illawarra band The Groovy Brothers."Drop in to see some fresh and diverse images from local photographers," Enever said.The exhibition continues until September 18.New members are welcome.For more information go to www.projectgallery.org or email lisaenever@gmail.com.

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