Aubrey Purdy Rude was born and raised in Illinois.  She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Augustana College, Rock Island, IL in 2003.  In 2005 she completed post-baccalaureate studies in Ceramics at Northern Illinois University.  Then in 2006, Aubrey served as apprentice to Louisville, KY studio potter Suzy Hatcher.  Since 2009 she has balanced her studio art practice alongside her work as a Licensed Massage Therapist. She currently lives and works in Spokane, WA with her husband Mat Rude who is also a ceramic artist and professor at Gonzaga University.