Artist : Francessca O'Donnell

Sponsor: Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail

Location: The Glasshouse Arts and Visitor Centre, Cnr Clarence and Hay Streets, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

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 has pursued an impressive career in the arts, as both a dancing teacher for three generations for young dancers in Port Macquarie and a visual artist, with a specialty for working with mosaics.

Read more Hello Koalas Lady Lola The Dancing Koala Focus March 2018

In 2021, Francessca and Hello Koalas founder Margret Meagher conceived the idea of collaborating on the publication of a children's book. Francessca was the author and illustrator of 'Lola Had A Dream' and was published by Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail. The book has sold over 600 copies which is an amazing achievement for a first time children's book and a French edition was published in 2023 and launched at the Bloch boutique in Paris!

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.