The Impossibilists Collection
A Guide and Inventory
Spec.rare.cms.320
Guide Compiled by Jeff Rudzinsky & John M. Bennett
INTRODUCTION
The Impossibilists were a group of artists and writers centered in Portland, Oregon, active in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Their aesthetics were primarily absurdist, and expressed in graphics, poetry, prose, comic strips, manifestos, and events. They were also involved extensively in Mail Art. In 2008, they held a reunion in Portland, which resulted in the publication of The Impossibilists Manifesto, No. 100, compiled by Tom Cassidy (Musicmaster), one of the prime instigators of Impossibilist activities. His work is well represented in this collection, as well as that of Katherine Dunn, Dan Raphael, Rhoda Mappo, Blaster Al Ackerman, Rider, Max Deadtoe Delaney, John M. Bennett, Keith Rahmmings, Mrs. Blaster, Haddock, Lipp, and others. Some of these individuals, such as Raphael and Bennett, were “guests”, only marginally involved in the group’s activities.
The contents of Box 1 (folders 1-33) of this collection were a gift from Tom Cassidy (Musicmaster).
Dr. John M. Bennett June 2008
Overview of the Collection:
| Repository: | Rare Books and Manuscripts Library |
| Identification: | Spec.cms.320 |
| Creator: | John M. Bennett |
| Title: | The Impossibilists Collection |
| Dates: | 1971-2008 |
| Quantity: | 2 Boxes |
| Description: | Contains number of mediums relating to the Impossibillists group of artists. Materials include: mail art, graphics, poetry, prose, comic strips, manifestos, and information regarding events. |
Box and Folder Listing:
Box 1
Folder Numbers 1 - 33- Folder contains two pieces of mail art from Thomas M. Cassidy. Pieces are roughly 11” x 5” in size.
- Folder contains a flyer with information about the appearance of Impossibilists works at the Rake Gallery and the First Unitarian Church. Back side of flyer contains a message to John M. Bennett, explaining further shipments of Impossibilists MATERIALS. There is also a partial list of such materials.
- Folder contains a flyer for the showing of The Impossibilists at “Fools Paradise” at 125 N.W. 6th. Folder also contains blank checks belonging to the Correspondence Art Service Foundation, (David Zack, Secretary).
- Folder contains Internal Rhyme #59 April 2001, Dogs without Cars #7 August 1989 and #11 December 1989, an ad for White Screen by John M. Bennett, three flyers advertising Musicmaster at the Blackfish Gallery, the Ha Ha Club, and at the Northwest Artists Workshop, all in Portland, OR, and three prints or drawings by Musicmaster, two on green paper and one on yellow paper.
- Folder contains a copy of Waiting for Genghis by Musicmaster, 1991.
- Folder contains a copy of Pains of Glass [poems] by Paul Weinman, with illustrations by Musicmaster, NY, NY: Concrete Block in Your Face Press, [nd].
- Folder contains a poster for Sightings by Ken Friedman. The project is described as a “traveling process of creation and response”. Ca. 1975.
- Printed envelope contains pointillist artwork from Fucci, collectively titled “The Awful Grounding”. Ca. 1989.
- Folder contains a copy of The Impossibilists Manifesto no.2, [nd].
- Folder contains a copy of the Portland Scribe, vol.6, number 20, September 22-28 1977. Includes a page of drawings and commentary by Musicmaster (Thomas Cassidy).
- Folder contains a copy of “Keep’em”. Includes work from Bill Thomas, Mark Sargent, Llyod Nelson, Jack Scott Claflin, Willis Egerman, Walt Curtis, Ralph Martin Howell, Dundee, and Thomas M. Cassidy. [nd]
- Folder contains a copy of The Impossibilist Manifesto. [No. 1, nd]
- Folder contains 32 card size pieces of artwork and visual poetry, in a sleeve with title “Musical Comedy #6 ½”, “48 pieces”. Includes work by Musicmaster, Keith Rahmmings, John M. Bennett, and others..
- Ten Prints [by] Musicmaster, Minneapolis: Musicmaster, c1986. 13 pieces in a printed envelope.
- Folder contains two copies of The Year in Sports by Musicmaster, a small book, [nd]. One copy includes an original drawing.
- Folder contains a copy of The Talkies: The Musical Comedy Edition 5 ½. [nd]
- Folder contains “Giggola in “Blastin’ cap Comix”, a short comic strip, with other texts, including a letter to Blaster [Al Ackerman] on Dummyism. All by Musicmaster.
- Folder contains Let Me Go Now by Katherine Dunn, “Impossibilist Broadside, 1”, 1979.
- Folder contains Overground by Max Deadtoe Delaney, Imossibilists Broadside #4, 1981.
- Folder contains The Impossiblist Manifesto #6, by Musicmaster, ca. 1975.
- Folder contains a copy of Public and Private Wars, Impossible #10: A Scrapbook. Includes contributions from Musicmaster, Reynarda, Rider, Animal Trust, and Rhoda Mappo. [nd]
- Folder contains a copy of The Impossibilist Multiphasic Personality Inventory, Impossibilists #11, 1996. By Musicmaster.
- Folder contains a text version of the contents in folder 22, photocopy on 8 ½ X 11 sheets, ca. 1978.
- Folder contains a copy of The Impossibilists Manifesto #13, ca. 1979.
- Folder contains a copy of Impossible #15: Points of Impact, 1979.
- Folder contains a copy of The Impossibilists #17, Spring 1982, edited by Musicmaster.
- Folder contains a copy of Autobiopsy: IMPS #18, 1983.
- Folder contains a copy of The Impossibilists #18, Spring 1983, Impossible Women. Includes work from Reynarda Waly, Katherine Dunn, S.L. Ames, Rhoda Mappo, Mrs. Blaster, Inex, Lon Spieglman, Dominick Fucci, Carol Stetser, Marilyn Rosenberg, Ryder, Annie, Dan Lissy, Roxy Gordon, Dr. IS, and Musicmaster.
- Folder contains a copy of IMPS 19, 1985.
- Folder contains a copy of Impossibists Manifesto #20, the Planning Ahead Issue. Features Dr. Trust, Harry Bates [Al Ackerman], Jay Rothbell, Alice Jimson, Bill Whorrall, Lon Spiegelman, Dencer Tucson, Mario Conentino, Musicmaster, and Marinetti.
- Folder contains a copy of The Impossibilists Manifesto #21, February 1986, “Syllogisms”. Includes work by Blaster Al Ackerman, Musicmaster, and others.
- Folder contains a copy of IMPS #22, August 1986. Includes work by Haddock, Musicmaster, Pat Fish, Eel Leonard, Tarzana Savanah, Buz Blurr, Dr. Trust, and others.
- Folder contains a copy of The Impossibilists Manifesto #100, April 2008. Envelope contains description of materials included. Includes materials from Dr. Trust, Rider, Reynarda Wally, Lipp, Rhoda Mappo, Haddock, Diane Harlin, John M. Bennett, Dan Raphael, Bob Phillips, Scott Helmes, Blaster Al Ackerman, Musicmaster, Katherine Dunn, and others.
Box 2
Folder Numbers 34 - 46- Folder contains a copy of Impossible 14, September 1975. Edited by Max Deadtoe Delaney.
- Folder contains a copy of Musical Comedy, no.1, Autumn 1977. Edited by Musicmaster.
- Folder contains a copy of The Disapointments of George Custer, 1971. Edited by Bradford Mossman. Includes work by Marti Barret, John Baker, Tony Voght, David Denton, Bradford Mossman, Mark Sargent, Dan’l Haegerty, and Brad Lehman.
- Folder contains artwork and drawings by Thomas M. Cassidy, 1979. Printed cards and flyers.
- Folder contains a copy of the Impossibilist Manifesto #4, ca. 1975. Edited by Rhoda Mappo.
- Folder contains two cards and heads printed on transparent plastic apparently from IMPS #18, [nd]. In an envelope titled “Modern Religion”.
- Folder contains 4 drawings by Thomas M. Cassidy, 1979. In a wrapper with title “Sea Monster”.
- Folder contains a copy of 3 Day Fox: a Tattoo, by Katherine Dunn and Illustrations by Alaina Lara, 1979. Signed by Dunn. Poetry chapbook.
- Folder contains a copy of Room Enough by Mark Sargent, 1985. Signed by Sargent. Poetry chapbook.
- Folder contains a copy of Musical Comedy Editions, Summer 1983, by Musicmaster. Texts and drawings.
- Folder contains a copy of Dada Dearest, 1983, by Musicmaster. Texts and drawings.
- Folder contains a copy of Tropic Harmonica Digest, no.2, 1971. Includes poems by James Winchell.
- Folder contains two copies of Woof!, 1983, drawings by Musicmaster. Copies printed with different cover stock.