Description / Inspiration

Lady Lola The Dancing Koala was created in 2017 to take up residence at the Glasshouse Arts and Visitor Centre in the heart of Port Macquarie.

When the concept of the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail took shape back in 2013, the founder Margret Meagher was keen to celebrate the arts, in its many forms, within Greater Port Macquarie’s creative community. Music and dance were two artforms at the top of Margret’s list.

The artist, Francessca O’Donnell had already created two outstanding mosaic Hello Koalas sculptures – Kalido and PK Sparkles (PK stands for ‘Performing Koala’) in 2014 for the launch of the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail in 2014.

PK Sparkles was designed to be resident at the Glasshouse Arts Centre with its regional gallery, theatre, dance studio and visitor centre.

Kalido has played a starring role as a member of the Hello Koalas travelling exhibitions over the past 10 years.

Lady Lola The Dancing Koala was created by Francessca with the contribution of local blacksmith Wayne Lewis (wayne.ironfist@gmall.com) who made the extravagant tutu and tiara, decorated with jewels and ostrich feathers.

Artist Biography

Francessca O’Donnell was born into a family surrounded by art and dance. Her love of ballet, led to a forty year
career, teaching and examining around the world.
With a BA in Design from Sydney College of the Arts, she has also enjoyed a successful career as an artist and
costume designer.
As a teacher, Francessca inspired children to follow their passion into careers that fill their souls and enrich their lives.
The colourful illustrations and fun characters she created, were inspired by people in her life and she hopes this book
will ignite the warrior inside every child to follow their dreams.
Francessca lives in Beechwood NSW, with her adorable miniature dachshund, Ruby.
She has two grown sons, Kane and Tim and grandsons Henry and Freddie. Her youngest son Tim danced with the
Milwaukee Ballet Company as leading artist and resident choreographer.
More can be found on her website https://www.theouttherecollective.com

Location Info

The Glasshouse Arts Centre is right in the heart of Port Macquarie with a forecourt that provides a shady spot for people to rest under the trees.

Nearby are the Port Macquarie Museum with its Hello Koalas sculpture called ‘Forest’ which depicts life in the Burrawan state Forest in Port Macquarie and next door to two great Port Macquarie restaurants – Bills Fishhouse and TwoTripleFour which also includes a separate Deli. Two Hello Koalas sculptures live there – Olly The Blue Eyed Boy, by local artist Pauline Roods and Radiant Heart, by Sydney artist Goya Torres. These two highly popular dining venues are master minded by Pete Cutcliffe a well known chef from Sydney and now Port Macquarie.