Meet the Miniaturist: Sharon Kay Zanassi
- Darren Scala
- Aug 5
- 3 min read
Imagine a world where tiny things spark immense joy, and everyday household items become masterpieces in miniature. For Sharon Kay Zanassi, a dollhouse miniature collector from California, this world has been a lifelong passion. She was born in Sacramento and raised in San Francisco where she had a career on the Pacific Stock Exchange floor for Dean Witter. Sharon's journey into the realm of miniatures began in the late 1970s.
With a keen eye for the unique and an innate talent for spotting hidden gems, she built an impressive collection that spans decades. While she dabbled in needlepoint, it was miniatures that she returned to as she was always drawn to tiny things. With the help of her daughter Lisa, Sharon is downsizing her extensive collection of miniatures in the latest estate sale from D. Thomas Miniatures: "A Tiny Life, the Sharon Zanassi Collection" happening now through September 14, 2025.
As a skilled room box builder and a long-time member of the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts (NAME), Sharon's collection reflects her dedication to the craft and miniatures hobby. She regularly attended the Good Sam Show and took classes in miniature making. Her daughter fondly recalls attending NAME picnics and miniature shows, including the Marin Miniature Show, which Sharon helped organize with her partner Pam Pansini in 1984 through the end of the 1990's. Sharon's reputation among dealers and collectors was strong and built on her exceptional taste and enthusiasm for one-of-a-kind pieces. Dealers would often set aside their most intricate and unique pieces for her to discover and collect. Sharon has a particular interest in the work of Ferd Sobol, master miniaturist and IGMA Fellow who crafted some of the most beautiful fine scale furniture in miniature. There are more than a dozen miniatures made by Mr. Sobol in the sale including rare and intricate pieces such as his metamorphic and Louis XV desks.
The upcoming sale of Sharon's collection through D. Thomas Miniatures is a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own a piece of miniature history. As Sharon prepares to move into an assisted living facility, her daughter is helping to gather her treasured items that have brought her mother so much joy over the years. With memories of rummaging through Geoffrey Bishop's famous "outcast" trough and running "tabs" with dealers, Sharon's daughter is ensuring that her mother's legacy lives on through her remarkable collection.
This sale is not just about collecting miniatures; it's about sharing and owning a piece of Sharon's story. With her unique eye and passion for tiny marvels, Sharon's collection is a testament to the power of dedication and creativity. For an opportunity to participate in a small piece of miniature history, discover the Sharon Kay Zanassi Collection of dollhouse miniatures which is happening right now in the D. Thomas Miniatures eBay store through September 14.
A BIG thank you to Sharon for sharing her wonderful collection with us and for all her contributions to the mini world and to her daughter Lisa Zahorenko for all her exhaustive efforts in helping to bring this collection to the mini world!
Source: Lisa Zahorenki (Sharon's daughter), written with the help of AI, edited by Darren Scala
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