Art for anyone, anywhere
What’s the big idea? Colossal is here to ignite creativity and connection through the joy of mobile screen printing – inspiring engagement with art and design. It’s an invitation to imagine.
Colossal brings people together to explore ideas and spark creativity. Whether you’re already a creative–or a total beginner–it’s a chance to dive into the magic of print making and create something to be proud of.
Taking print to the people
Based in Plymouth in the South West, here's how Colossal brings art to life across the city and beyond.
Learning the craft
Discover the tools and techniques of screen printing with Sue during her friendly workshops and personalised 1-2-1s.
Print pop-ups
Take a Colossal workshop to somewhere unexpected. However wild the setting, we’ll roll in and make it happen.
One-off events
Make screen printing an attraction at your festival, community gathering or business event.
Art without limits
Colossal is many things. We co-design. We make ideas real. We empower community design. We create for industry.
Group get-togethers
Screen printing is a fun, creative activity for small groups of friends, family or colleagues – or even date nights.
Unique print projects
Commission Colossal to transform a public space with vibrant, print-based art and design made by–and for–your community.
Colossal’s mobile workshops are a way to get hands-on and to give screen printing a go. Get social. Grow in confidence. Express yourself. Have fun.
Colossal achievements
Colossal's journey began with a simple idea and a dash of creativity. At our first Plymouth Art Weekender, we experimented with boxes, wheels, and paint, setting the stage for our unique approach to printmaking.
Since 2019, we've been printing beermats for the Plymouth Design Forum. These little squares of creativity serve as conversation starters, promoting events and fostering connections in the South West's vibrant creative scene.
Sue partnered with FabLab Plymouth to expand Colossal's reach. This collaboration led to the 'Conversations With Images' project, where 22 women explored visual storytelling through collage and screen printing.
When the world changed, so did we. Colossal pivoted to socially distanced and virtual events. We even created a 15-metre, 5-colour Andy Warhol-inspired print at The Plot on Union Street, turning printmaking into a public spectacle.
Always evolving, Sue designed Colossal Three during her postgraduate studies at Arts University Plymouth. With FabLab's help, this new mobile unit took 55 hours to build, embodying our commitment to innovation.
Funded by the Arts Council, PrimeDesign brought 16 young people together to explore collage's potential. We blended skateboarding's DIY spirit with art, creating wearable, skateable (and kick-flippable) collages.
After completing the IGNITE Business Programme, Sue launched a successful Crowdfunder campaign. With match-funding from iMayflower Creative and Digital Plymouth, we turned creative ideas into reality.
We partnered with the British Art Show 9 to bring contemporary art beyond gallery walls. Colossal continues to reshape perceptions of art, enriching Plymouth's cultural landscape through hands-on experiences.
Featured in Pressing Matters Magazine, Sue shared her journey from graphic designer to printmaker. The article highlighted how Colossal goes beyond traditional printmaking, engaging with the world in unique ways.
Sue lectures in BA (Hons) Graphic Design and tutors in Masters in Visual Communication at Arts University Plymouth. She brings lived experience and practice-led research to inspire students to adapt and unlock their creative potential.
At the Print in Action event, Sue discussed Colossal's evolution, encouraging the audience to reflect on creativity's power. The talk explored how digital technologies and traditional printmaking can shape cultural activities.
Thanks to successful crowdfunding and match-funding from iMayflower, Colossal launched a new satellite unit. During a residency at Grow Plymouth Studios, we closed the loop on the screen printing process and created a brand-new website.
Meet Sue, the creative force behind Colossal.
The Colossal project emerged from the work of Sue Lewry, an artist and university lecturer who is proud to call Plymouth her home.
Sue was inspired to liberate print making from the studio and take it to unexpected places: on the streets, at the skatepark, at the pub, by the sea. Just about anywhere, in fact.
Printmaking offers a way into making art something for everyone to enjoy – whether they know their way round an art gallery or not. Sue’s mission is to inspire creativity, confidence and connection through the joyful and vibrant world of screen printing.