DANBURY, CONN. — The public is invited to attend readings by two celebrated writers as part of the Western Connecticut State University Master of Fine Arts program.

At 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, distinguished essayist and novelist Phillip Lopate will read from his work at the Westside Campus Center Ballroom, 43 Lake Ave. Extension in Danbury. On Friday, Aug. 5, Rick Moody, author of “The Ice Storm,” will read at 7:30 p.m. in the ballroom.

Lopate is best known for his wry, complex writing and his bold candor. His essay collections include “Bachelorhood,” “Against Joie de Vivre” and “Portrait of My Body.”

Moody, who is regarded as gutsy and humorous, was the winner of the 1991 Editor’s Choice Award from the Pushcart Press for his debut novel, “Garden State.” His 1994 novel, “The Ice Storm,” was published in 20 countries and released as a film in 1997. Other writings include collections of short fiction and a memoir.

The M.F.A. program presents public readings twice each year. They present the Danbury community an opportunity to hear fiction, nonfiction, screenplay and poetry readings by nationally renowned authors, many of whom serve as writers in residence or writing mentors of the university’s M.F.A. in Professional Writing program. Launched in 2005, the program enables participants from across the nation to continue working while pursuing M.F.A. studies in a diverse range of creative and nonfiction writing genres through distance learning.

For more information, visit the M.F.A. program Web site at wcsu.edu/writing/mfa or call the M.F.A. office at (203) 837-8878.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.