HIGH POINT, N.C. — The International Society of Furniture Designers has named Michael and Hanna Manes, co-executive directors of Cohab.Space in High Point, as keynote speakers for the 30th annual Pinnacle Awards ceremony. The event will be held Oct. 19 during the fall High Point Market.
The Manes will share their perspectives on creativity, craftsmanship and the people who bring great design to life. The duo also will present the Pinnacle Award for the designer/maker category.
“Michael and Hanna’s passion for design, craftsmanship, and the creative community, along with their work at Cohab.Space to support artists, makers, and designers, makes them a natural fit for an evening celebrating the people whose creative energy is the driving force of our industry,” said David Blair, executive director of ISFD. “Their complementary background in fine art, design, curation, and creative entrepreneurship brings a unique understanding of the creative process and will add depth and energy to our 30th -anniversary celebration.”
An artist, creative director and freelance interior stylist, Hannah co-founded Manes Collection to make original and historic artworks more accessible to collectors at every level. She is a founding partner of Cohab.Space and has built a reputation for developing artist-centered platforms through strategic marketing, exhibition curation and collaborative community engagement.
An experienced arts leader and gallery director, Michael has more than 15 years in the field and was former director and co-owner of fine art and craft gallery Blue Spiral 1. He has led major initiatives in artist representation, curatorial strategy and gallery operations.
The Pinnacle Awards gala will be held 5:30-9 p.m. Oct. 19 in the IHFC 11th floor club level ballroom. Seating is limited, and tickets are now available. A portion of ticket proceeds benefit the ISFD Foundation Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to student designers. The celebration begins with a student meet-and-greet at 5:30 p.m., which honors those entered in the ISFD student competition.
“Thirty years, thousands of designers, and countless creative moments have made the Pinnacle Awards a special part of our industry,” Blair said. “This 30th anniversary is an opportunity to come together for one unforgettable evening — to celebrate the people shaping the future of furniture design, honor the remarkable work being recognized, celebrate the legacy of these awards, and reconnect with the friends, colleagues, and industry veterans who have helped make this community so wonderful. By attending, guests also support the next generation of professional furniture designers through our scholarship fund.”
