I first stumbled upon Evereman shortly after adopting Dakota, my friendly, stubborn Beagle mix last November. As any typical day, her imploring nose-nudges had became unbearable right around the witching hour of 11:30 a.m., so I leashed her up, strolled east along Ralph McGill Blvd. and up the hill to the Beltline.

The northward walk was nothing unusual: Dakota and I engaged in our ongoing leash-pulling power struggle, the November sun gently warmed the cool air, and I was happy to go back down the steep hill of red Georgia clay after a brisk hour-long walk.

That’s when Dakota and I met Evereman.

Or rather, a proxy. Evereman was a tiny wooden block with a little robot shape burnished on one of the cube’s six sides, and resting unassumingly on the ledge of the bridge’s monument –a little token that instantly sparked excitement and curiosity. What more:  a tiny mention of TEDxPeachtree 2012 was scribed on another one of the sides. As a new Atlantan, this little block of wood made me feel more connected to the city, as well as to something bigger I could not yet put my finger on.

Convinced I had unwittingly found a clue to a secret scavenger hunt, the pup and I rushed home so I could learn more. I settled into my computer, Googled Evereman, and watched the talk I missed by a mere week or two.

Dakota and I clearly hit a serendipitous jackpot on our morning walk.

Since his talk in November, Evereman, the creator behind his namesake movement, certainly has not been idle. He was recently profiled by Cultural Weekly. ‘Searching for Evereman’ outlines some of the more curious aspects of Evereman’s life, including his beginnings in Lumberton, North Carolina, a small town known to foster colorful characters who march to their own tune. The article highlights just how Evereman came to be who he is, his truly giving outlook on life, and where he plans to go next.

Evereman was also featured recently in TEDx’s list of 7 TEDx Talks by guys with excellent beards. Evereman’s discussion of his mission to bring joy to the lives of all through free, shareable works of art joins the ranks of Paul Krugman and famous Australian naturalist Strider on this list of bright men sharing brilliant ideas, and all with daring facial adornment.

Luckily for Atlanta, Evereman’s message from his 2012 TEDxPeachtree talk persists as one of sharing and cooperation. “Collaboration yields better results than competition,” said Jay, or the artist more widely known as Evereman. “There is power in giving.” Evereman’s discussion both complements and contrasts his fellow facial hair aficionados in a way that reinforces this sentiment.

Evereman’s involvement in the Free Art movement has continued since his inclusion in last year’s TEDxPeachtree discussion. The production parties go on, the little robot faces keep popping up unexpectedly, and the man behind Evereman continues to explore other artistic endeavors that embody his joy for sharing.

The artist is currently seeking to install more permanent Evereman sculptures, as well as commissioned pieces. He is also sharing his appreciation for the works of Woody Guthrie through his old time Americana band, the Muleskinner MacQueen Trio. You can find Evereman singing around Atlanta under the Muleskinner MacQueen moniker.

On this fine April day seven months later, I couldn’t be happier that I found my way to Atlanta, to my new friend Dakota, and to the giving spirit that Evereman has created. I have not yet had the chance to share a real Evereman piece–Dakota chewed my little treasure to pieces shortly after we found it. I hope that you enjoy and share Evereman’s inspiring work with everyone in your lives, though, and have the chance to find and share your own piece of free art.

Evereman is everywhere, for everyone. Evereman is 4U.

Katie Grills is a marketing professional and resident of Atlanta’s Historic Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. When she isn’t playing catch with her dog, Katie likes to hone her culinary abilities, read short fiction, and explore the intricacies and oddities of Atlanta’s neighborhoods.