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:

This apple was inspired by the story and symbolism of the Unicoi County Apple Festival logo itself. Created as a mosaic of many individual pieces, the logo represents the idea that the festival is not defined by one element alone, but by the people, traditions, and experiences that come together to create one extraordinary weekend each year.

As the first apple created in the Apple Art Walk series, this piece holds special significance. It was unveiled at the 2025 Unicoi County Apple Festival, marking the beginning of a public art project rooted in community pride and shared history. The artist was inspired by the understanding that the festival is made whole by many moving parts—vendors, musicians, volunteers, planners, racers, local businesses, families, and visitors—each playing an important role in bringing the event to life.

This apple honors not only the legacy of the Apple Festival, but also the resilience, dedication, and spirit of the people behind it. Just as every piece of the mosaic is necessary to form a complete apple, every individual contribution helps shape the festival’s nearly five decades of tradition. As the starting point of the Apple Art Walk, this apple serves as a lasting tribute to the community that continues to come together year after year to create something truly special.

Explore, Experience and Discover:

Festivals and events are at the heart of life in Unicoi County, creating a year-round calendar filled with opportunities to gather, celebrate, and experience the community’s welcoming spirit. From lively street festivals to seasonal traditions and hometown celebrations, there always seems to be something happening—inviting visitors to join in and feel like part of the story.

At the center of it all is the Unicoi County Apple Festival, a nationally recognized fall tradition that draws visitors from across the country each October. With hundreds of vendors, live entertainment, and decades of history, it sets the tone for the county’s love of celebration. Spring brings the Unicoi County Strawberry Festival, offering another flavorful, family-friendly event that highlights local traditions and seasonal fun, while the Flag Pond Ramp Festival celebrates Appalachian heritage and the unique flavors of the region.

Throughout the year, community favorites like Small Town–Big Picnic and the Achin’ for the Bacon 5K Run bring residents and visitors together in downtown Erwin for food, fitness, and fun. Holiday events fill the streets with lights, music, and festive cheer, while specialty events such as Autorama showcase classic cars and automotive culture. For those who love live entertainment, the Erwin Opry provides regular opportunities to enjoy music and performances in an intimate, hometown setting.

Together, these festivals and events reflect the energy, creativity, and sense of togetherness that define Unicoi County. No matter the season, visitors will find reasons to return—each event offering a new way to experience the community, celebrate local traditions, and create lasting memories.

Links for Festivals, Celebrations and Events:
https://visitunicoicounty.com/seasonal-events/