Mina Litinsky
Mina Litinsky, owner of Denver’s Sloane Gallery of Art, a showcase for contemporary Russian masters, passed away Sept. 21, 2020, in Denver. The service was held Oct. 5 at Feldman Chapel. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
“The Colorado and international arts communities and thousands of people throughout the world were touched, helped and inspired by Mina,” the family says.
“Mina’s legacy lives on and she will be remembered as one of the brightest lights making the world a more beautiful place.”
Mrs. Litinsky was born Nov. 4, 1936 in Leningrad (St. Petersburg), Russia. Her father, Yevsey Ratner, was an architect, pianist and a decorated Red Army officer.
At 16, she forged her ID papers and became a Soviet skydiving instructor; the second highest rated fencer in Leningrad; and the second-place title holder in the 3,200 meter run at university.
Although the arts were her passion, she earned an MA in organic chemistry and worked at the St. Petersburg Forest Technical Academy.
In the late 1960s and early ‘70s, Mrs. Litinsky organized underground art exhibitions. Her small apartment served as a salon for writers, film stars, musicians and artists.
She helped ostracized and destitute artists, who frequently left her with unique artworks to show their gratitude.
As the Soviet system collapsed, Mrs. Litinsky, her husband Vadim and son Gene left the USSR as political dissident refugees.
The Litinskys arrived in Denver in 1980 knowing no English, with a sum total of $74 and several rolled-up paintings.
Mrs. Litinsky opened Sloane Gallery of Art in Denver’s LoDo area.
In addition to exhibiting the works of Russian artists, she encouraged them to abandon the USSR’s social realism aesthetic and come to America.
Mrs. Litinsky supported the US Armed Forces, US Veterans and Jewish and children’s causes.
Mina Litinsky is survived by her son Gene Litinsky and niece Lera Ratner.
Copyright © 2020 by the Intermountain Jewish News
