WELDON — Self-professed “art nut” Shirley Rosenburg took advantage of what the Sip and See had to offer.

Jacqueline Hough | The Daily Herald Gail Biesecker looks at “Wind II” by Glenn Garrison during the Sip and See Monday. “I like it,” she said. “It’s different.” Advertisement

She bought a metal sculpture of featured artist Glenn Garrison, joined the Halifax County Arts Council and did her part to help bring the North Carolina Symphony to the Roanoke Valley.

“I like art,” Rosenburg said. “I’ve always been crazy about it. I would spend my last $100, if I saw something I liked. It lasts forever.”

 During the Sip and See, the Halifax County Arts Council, The Centre at HCC and the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted a special “Christmas in July.”

Rosenburg and many others purchased some of the 250 limited edition, specially-priced advance ticket packages for the North Carolina Symphony’s Holiday Pops concert set for Dec. 10.

These packages include priority seating and a pass to a special reception with members of the orchestra and conductor prior to the concert.

It was one of the reasons Rosenburg moved to the area from New York.

“I wanted to be sure I was somewhere that offered these types of programs,” she said.

Lori Medlin, president/CEO of the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau, told those attending that by purchasing a ticket, they were helping bring the symphony to the community.

“I thank you for supporting the Halifax Arts Council and arts in Halifax County,”  she said.

Tom Schwartz, vice president of institutional advancement at the college, said there were still a limited amount of the advance ticket packages available.

The tickets are now $35, but Schwartz offered a special deal for those interested.

“If you call The Centre and say you read about it in The Daily Herald, you can purchase the tickets for $30,” he said.

In addition to Christmas in July, complete with Santa Claus making a special appearance, those attending Monday’s Sip and See at The Centre had a chance to see the metal sculpture pieces and art work of Garrison.

“It worked out well especially combining it with the orchestra ticket sale,” he said.

He added it was rewarding to hear the feedback on his work.

“You work on it all the time and here you are given the chance to hear positive comments,” he said.

Rosenburg said she found his work fascinating.

“It’s like it comes to life when you look at it,” she said.

Rosenburg pointed to a large piece of Garrison’s. “No matter which way you look at it, it speaks to you,” she said.

The next Sip and See is Aug. 23 at the Arts Council’s Gallery, 1027 Roanoke Avenue in Roanoke Rapids.

For more information or to purchase tickets call 252-538-4336.