Like many of us, Gavin Quinn is no stranger to mental health struggles.
When he had faced those problems head-on, he recognized the importance of support, whether it be from friends, family, or organizations that specialize in mental health in all of its intricacies.
Impassioned, Quinn began Outsider Insight, a mental health-focused art collective that raises money to support non-profits and charities that specialize in community programming, mental health initiatives and support systems. It usually does this through its fashion brand with $5 of every sale going to a partnered organization.
“It started with Autism Nova Scotia, we did a suicide awareness program,” says Quinn. “We donated hundreds of dollars’ worth of art supplies to the mental health unit in Truro.”
The designs used in Outsider Insight’s fashion often come from artists Quinn knows, who contribute their pieces for them to use on t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and, starting this year, even key chains.
“I reach out to my more artistic friends, and they sell us their designs, basically,” says Quinn.
Outsider Insight often frequents markets within Colchester County and Cumberland County, but it all started within Halifax when Quinn was living in the city in the early 2010s. He started Outsider Insight in 2012, beginning with art shows he hosted within Halifax. Quinn also hosted art workshops for those struggling with their mental health. After some time, he moved back home to Colchester County, transforming his art collective into a fashion brand.
Nowadays, with help from his mother, Shannon Letcher, Quinn appears at markets with his collection of unique designs that go towards supporting different mental health initiatives.
“I’m very proud of him for starting this, sticking with it,” says Letcher. “It’s such a thrill to come and give somebody a nice big cheque that will go to help this person, that person, these people.”
Quinn’s next project is to accept donations of art supplies that they plan to give to rehab clinics and detox centres in the province. He believes that art, through expression, can be a tool for healing.
“Can you imagine the authentic, real, raw, core power of art, and how it heals in that situation?” says Quinn.
Outsider Insight can be found on Facebook, where they reveal new products, take orders, and post about upcoming market appearances. Their next appearances will be in Tatamagouche on May 2, 9 and 23, as well as Pugwash on May 16 and Truro on May 30. If you are raring for a trip outside the city, it’s worth checking out a local market and seeing what Outsider Insight has in store.
Outsider Insight also accepts donations via email at outsiderinsightinfo@gmail.com.
