A Conversation with Voyage Tampa and Sallie Hirshberg
Fort Myers, Florida, November 2025
Today, we’d like to introduce you to Sallie Hirshberg.
Hi Sallie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always had a passion for art, even from a young age, and once I took my first art history class at Boston University, I knew I was hooked. When I graduated, I was fortunate enough to receive my first position with a subsidiary of Fidelity Investments as an art consultant. I spent the next decade of my life learning all about the art world and perfecting my knowledge. In 2000, I was ready to launch off on my own and opened Galerie d’Orsay on the prestigious first block of Newbury Street in Boston. There, I continue to share my art knowledge and ability to help clients acquire incredible works of art at all price points, whether they are novice or seasoned. It was always a pleasure to help them find the perfect work of art. During my time as the founder and CEO of that company, I brought many important artists and exhibitions to Boston, including the first Salvador Dali exhibition, as well as working hand in hand with the Pissarro family. I also partnered and served on the boards of many philanthropic organizations, including the Museum of Fine Arts Boston’s young executive committee.
I have now taken my decades of expertise to the next level at SH Modern Art in SWFL, curating not only masterworks spanning 6 centuries but also championing the most cutting-edge artists of today. I am proud to have SH Modern become a destination where collectors and corporations can discover rare treasures, timeless icons, and the voices shaping the future of art.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Every new business faces obstacles, but few could have prepared me for what came after opening my first gallery on September 1, 2000. Just one year later, the world changed forever with the events of September 11th. It was a tough time, especially for those of us in the art world, a mirror to society’s emotions.
During the uncertainty and sorrow, we found purpose. The gallery became more than a place to view art, it became a sanctuary. A quiet space where people could pause, breathe, and find comfort in creativity. Art offered an escape, a momentary reprieve from the pain we all felt.
One of the most remarkable things about art is its ability to transport us to another time, another place, another state of mind. It connects us to the past while offering peace in the present. In the darkest moments, art reminds us of what endures: beauty, imagination, and the human spirit.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At SH Modern, we specialize in fine art masterworks from original Rembrandt etchings to Andy Warhol silk screens and beyond. With over 30 years of experience, we take pride in sourcing rare, authentic works of art in exceptional condition.
What truly sets us apart is our depth of knowledge and our direct relationships with artist foundations and families. Too often, we’ve seen galleries displaying works in poor condition or misrepresenting key details such as whether a piece was created during an artist’s lifetime or posthumously. This can be the difference of thousands of dollars. Our commitment is to ensure every client understands exactly what they are purchasing and why it holds lasting value.
In addition to museum-caliber masterworks, we are proud to represent some of today’s most exciting contemporary artists, including Patrick Rubinstein, Kathy Buist, and Richard Roblin, among others, and have an exclusive in Southwest Florida.
Our business has been built on client satisfaction and referrals. We want every collector to be completely enamored with their acquisition. Most pieces can be shipped for private viewing on approval, and for clients within a 50-mile radius, we offer personalized art consulting appointments.
Over the years, many of our collectors have expanded their holdings from a single painting to collections exceeding $1 million and have seen significant increases in value. Beyond the investment, the greatest return has been the joy, inspiration, and meaning their art has brought into their lives.
What were you like growing up?
I was quite shy in my younger years and turned to art as a way to express myself. I loved my art classes then and was always happiest when I was exploring different ways to be creative. Over time, I became more outgoing and involved with various organizations. Today, I truly enjoy sharing my knowledge as a guest speaker for different groups and using the gallery as a platform to support charitable causes. For our upcoming Modern Masters event in November, we’ll be partnering with the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers to help raise funds for their programs. To me, art is about community and connecting with others, giving back, and helping to elevate those around us.
Pricing:
- You don’t have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to have a beautiful piece of art. We have work that starts around $1000, and we have also sold pieces that are 7 figures. For our current show, Modern Masters, you can acquire and regional original lithograph. By Stephanie Gonzalez