Artist Bio:

Valerie Bradley is a lifelong resident of Erwin, Tennessee, and cannot imagine calling anywhere else home. Deeply rooted in her community, she proudly serves as the Communications Director for the Town of Erwin, where she combines her passion for people and her dedication to the place she has always loved.

From an early age, Valerie embraced her eclectic personality and creative spirit. Whether coloring, drawing, or painting, she has always found joy in being crafty and expressing herself through art. Over the years, her talent has been a visible part of Erwin’s landscape. She painted three of the town’s beloved elephant statues: Bane, a vibrant pop-art floral design; Chintz, inspired by the colorful florals of Blue Ridge Pottery; and Galaxy, a tribute to Star Wars that captured the imagination of fans and visitors alike.

Valerie was also honored to paint the very first apple statue in Erwin, featuring the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce logo, helping launch a community art initiative.

Today, her creativity continues to flourish. Whether she is painting, drawing, quilting, or crafting something new, Valerie finds fulfillment in creating pieces that bring joy to others. Through both her professional work and artistic contributions, she remains deeply committed to celebrating and enriching the community she has always called home.

Artists Inspiration for Design:

The artist envisioned this apple as something deeply personal—an expression of her love for the community and the traditions that make the mountains of Unicoi County so special. From that desire, Threads of the Blue Ridge was born, blending memory, artistry, and Appalachian heritage into a single design.

Quilting serves as the heart of her inspiration. To her, a quilt is far more than fabric and thread; it is a collection of stories stitched together piece by piece. Each pattern, color, and texture is thoughtfully chosen with meaning and intention, often reflecting the personality of the person who will receive it. Family quilts, especially those made from clothing worn by loved ones, become treasured keepsakes—holding memories in every seam and passing them down through generations. In Appalachia, quilting has long been a tradition rooted in storytelling, resourcefulness, and love.

Alongside quilting, the artist drew inspiration from the vibrant floral patterns of Blue Ridge Pottery, a cherished symbol of regional artistic heritage. The bold colors and intricate designs reflect both the creativity of the area and the timeless beauty of the surrounding mountains. By weaving together the warmth of quilting with the joyful, colorful spirit of Blue Ridge Pottery, she created a piece that feels both nostalgic and lively.

Through Threads of the Blue Ridge, the artist hopes viewers experience a sense of comfort—like being wrapped in a handmade quilt. The apple celebrates craftsmanship, tradition, and the enduring Appalachian spirit, honoring the stories and creativity that continue to define the community.

Explore, Experience and Discover:

Unicoi County’s story is stitched together through heritage, craftsmanship, and Appalachian tradition—and this apple celebrates that legacy through two beloved art forms: quilting and Blue Ridge Pottery. Quilts have long been a symbol of mountain life, carrying family history in every pattern and piece of fabric. Like a quilt, the culture of this region is built from many parts—stories, skills, and generations of creativity—carefully woven together into something lasting.

A special highlight of this apple is its tribute to Blue Ridge Pottery, which was uniquely made right here in Erwin. The pottery operation in Erwin was established around 1916, incorporated as Southern Potteries, Incorporated in 1920, and became nationally known for its hand-painted “Blue Ridge” dinnerware beginning in the 1930s. Production continued until the plant closed in 1957, leaving behind a treasured artistic legacy that collectors still celebrate today.

This apple also points visitors toward a living version of that same spirit: shopping local in historic downtown Erwin. Today’s shops and small businesses continue the tradition of creativity and craftsmanship—offering gifts, goods, and locally inspired finds that can’t be duplicated anywhere else. It’s an easy and enjoyable way for visitors to take a piece of Erwin home with them while supporting the community that makes the experience possible.

And in a way, that’s the clever beauty of this story: just as Blue Ridge Pottery was once something uniquely made and found in Erwin, visitors can still stroll downtown today and discover items that are uniquely Erwin—handmade, thoughtfully chosen, and full of character. The heritage isn’t just history here; it’s something you can still experience, explore, and bring home. 

Links:
https://visitunicoicounty.com/heritage/
https://visitunicoicounty.com/places-to-eat-and-shop/