The Fool’s Errand is a two-part art exhibit created by Dan Callis. Fool’s Errand Still is in the Green Gallery, and Fool’s Errand Wonder is in the Bardwell lobby. Dan Callis is a retiring Biola art professor who explores the themes of stillness in Christ and curiosity towards creation as illustrated in various art pieces.

THE DUAL MEANING OF FOOL’S ERRAND

According to Callis, the name “Fool’s Errand” possesses a dual meaning. The first comes from a cultural response to careers in the arts.

“Thinking about studying art and teaching art at university in American culture, often the idea of the arts can be seen as a frivolous thing…” Callis said. “So then, if you tell someone you’re an art major, and they kind of, with a slight smile on their face, say, ‘Really? What are you gonna do with that? How are you gonna make a living? It’s a fool’s errand to take up a calling to be an artist.’”

This very vocation-centric dialogue surrounding artistic majors is not uncommon, even among Biola students. Callis makes a space for this to be discussed amidst his work, as he himself stands as an example of success out of a creative major.

As for the second meaning, it comes from biblical inspiration, specifically from Paul’s writings about being a fool for Christ. 

“In ancient Christian tradition, the elder or senior is often referred to as a holy fool… someone who has been broken, bent, has experienced pain, grief, and joy and delight,” Callis said, referencing early Christianity.

FOOL’S ERRAND STILL

“Fool’s Errand Still” is the exhibition set up in Green Gallery across from Rose Hall. The motivating concept behind this specific set is from the “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10), in scripture. 

Callis described it as, “quieter, more subdued… The dominant colors, being black, white, and earth-inspired tones, illustrate restraint… The psalmist tells us to lie down in the grass and be still.”

The display itself is not so much about telling the viewer things as it is providing an opportunity to hear internal dialogue and seek spiritual communication. 

“There is so much shouting going on in the public square. So quit talking and be still and listen,” Callis said. 

FOOL’S ERRAND WONDER

“Fool’s Errand Wonder” is the display in the Bardwell exhibition area. Callis introduced this space as “an invitation to look at the world with curiosity.”

The room itself can barely contain the artwork. The intention behind an abstract setup is to emulate the life of art bursting from the room.

“I often think about a person walking along the seashore and being washed up at high tide,” Callis said when discussing the main point of inspiration behind this section. “It’s a beautiful shell, kind of shimmering and shining in color, glistening in the moisture of the sea, and someone stoops down to pick it because it’s caught their eye, and it’s a beautiful little fragment of nature. And they may not be sure even what it is they’re looking at, but they do know it’s something that’s beautiful, and it gives them pause, and it makes them wonder.” 

Callis has a heart that these two spaces will be beneficial to students and not an imposition. 

“What I’m offering is an opportunity to pause, step out of the flow and demands of a person’s day and invite them into a space that will hold them,” Callis said. 

CALLIS AS A CREATIVE 

“Curiosity motivates art”, Callis shared some additional thoughts regarding his experience as an artist and art professor, 

“I love getting a fragment of an idea and being invited into that to pursue it,” he said,“I love being the first viewer of a work of art and sharing that work of art with others…You’re working with the work, you’re not the sole creator of the work.”

To tie his thoughts together about the exhibit, his life, and his art, he ended with a simple word. 

“Learn a trade. Love your neighbor. Serve humanity. If you think you want to be an artist, be prepared for a fool’s errand.”