AUSTIN, Texas -- There’s a friendly frog famous for saying a simple sentence. The iconic image is located at the intersection of 21st and Guadalupe Streets. 

“It’s kind of become the unofficially ambassador of friendliness in Austin, Texas and so many people come here and they take their picture in front of the frog,” said Tom Gimbel, the general manager of Austin City Limits. 

Singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston painted the mural 25 years ago. Gimbel said he is an inspirtation to many, and not just for music. 

“Daniel Johnston has dealt with manic depression and schizophrenia for the last three decades pretty much his entire career," Gimbel said. "It’s been something that he’s dealt with, but it is also something that he has triumphed over.” 

Inspired by Johnston's life and art, Gimbel and Courtney Blanton founded the "Hi, How Are You?" Foundation. The foundation promotes togetherness and education around mental well-being.

“The idea is just to get comfortable with just talking to each other again, let's talk to each other, let's get it out, let's find out whats going on," Blanton said. "For us, we want mental health issues to be talked about like cancer.”

Monday, Jan. 22 marks Johnston’s 57th birthday and the first ever "Hi, How Are You?" Day in Austin, encouraging people to check in on their neighbors, friends, family members and co-workers.

“Someone will say I’m fine, and maybe they’re not fine, that’s just a very superficial kind of greeting," Gimbel said. "What we want people to do on January 22 on "Hi, How Are You?" Day is to really ask.”

For many dealing with mental illness, there is still so much stigma in society.

“We don’t want people to be ashamed, we don’t want people to be afraid," Gimbel said. "We want people to know that this is something that so many deal with.” 

Ultimately, they believe it is something people who are struggling can overcome, it just starts with a conversation. 

Mayor Steve Adler will officially name Jan. 22 “Hi, How Are You?” Day. To celebrate the proclamation, the city will host a night of music and art celebrating mental wellness. The event kicks off at 8 p.m. at the Mohawk on Red River Street.

For more information and tickets, visit hihowareyou.org.