FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - A pair of writers from the University of Arkansas programs in creative writing will present a reading of their works at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, in Giffels Auditorium in Old Main.

Paul Karns, an MFA candidate in fiction, graduated from Brandeis University in 1992 with a degree in English. Before moving to Fayetteville from New York City in 1999, he worked for Avon Books, GQ and Mademoiselle magazines, and several advertising agencies. During his time at the University of Arkansas, he has taught world literature, essay writing, and composition. His book reviews appear regularly in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Poet Brian Spears received his bachelors in English with a minor in creative writing from Southeastern Louisiana University. He is the winner of the 1998 D. Vickers Prize for Excellence in Creative Writing and his poem "Genetics" was the winner of the 2002 Felix Christopher McKean Award. His poetry has been seen in Louisiana Literature, Pegasus, The Concho River Review, Nuthouse, and The Small Pond Magazine of Literature. He is also the father of a twelve year old daughter, Alayne.

The reading is free and open to the public. All are invited to attend.