The Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) in downtown Raleigh will host North Carolina Modernist Houses 2014 George Matsumoto Prize Awards for Modernist residential design on Thursday, July 17, from 6-830 p.m. The awards are part of NCMH’s “Thirst4Architecture” networking happy hour. The events are free and open to the public.

Entertainment will include refreshments from Foundation bar in Raleigh, a game of “Modernist Musical Chairs” sponsored by Ivy Simon of Palette & Parlor in Chapel Hill, live music by Kurt Melges and special musical guest Rebecca Newton of Rebecca and the Hi-Tones, and door prizes. Emilie Huin of Coldwell Banker, a specialist in Modernist real estate throughout the Triangle, is the series sponsor for Thirst4Architecture.

Now in its third year, The Matsumoto Prize is the only professionally juried competition with cash prizes specializing in Modernist houses. So far, nearly 1000 public votes have been cast for the three top People’s Choice houses. To see – and vote -- visit http://www.ncmodernist.org/vote2014.htm.

“These entries inspire people to dream of having their own Modernist house. Most people are surprised to know Modernist design doesn’t have to be expensive. It can easily be affordable, efficient, sustainable, and a house their families will love for decades,” says NCMH founder and director George Smart. “This year’s entries are terrific, and we’re looking forward to revealing this winners.”

CAM Raleigh Executive Director Gab Smith commented on the museum’s decision to host the Prize awards ceremony: "The 2014 Matsumoto Prize Awards are a fantastic way to celebrate excellence in design and CAM Raleigh is thrilled to host the awards as a NCMH community partner."

Foundation Bar and Alphin Design Build, both in Raleigh, and Palette & Parlor of Chapel Hill, are also sponsoring the July event.

CAM Raleigh is located at 409 West Martin Street. For more information and directions, go to http://camraleigh.org.