If you've been putting off a visit to Mesa Contemporary Arts to check out the “Horses” exhibit by Montana sculptor Deborah Butterfield, time is running out.

The two steel and two bronze steeds will remain on display through June 26 in the Wilson and Ruby Dobson Gallery before heading to the Greg Kucera Gallery in Seattle. The exhibit has been well-received by the public, says Mesa Contemporary Arts curator Patty Haberman.

“Horses” includes two standing and two reclining sculptures. The steel pieces are crafted of rusty, brick red-colored scraps of steel. Butterfield formed the other two pieces from wood washed up on the banks of the creek near her Missoula home. Then she cast them into bronze.

Mesa residents Jeff and Janet Newman, who have gone to see “Horses” more than a dozen times, say they will be sad to see it go.

“They look so fragile and beautiful,” Janet Newman says, “but yet they're strong and forceful.”

According to the center, about 3,500 people came through the doors of Mesa Contemporary Arts each day on April 22-23, the galleries' opening weekend. Since then, a steady stream of between 100 and 200 people have visited the exhibits daily.

The main gallery will remain empty through Sept. 13, when the museum will open an exhibit by Hispanic artist Luis Jimenez, including prints, drawings and fiberglass sculptures.

Mesa Contemporary Arts will be closed for two weeks, from Aug. 22 through Sept. 5, as workers seal the concrete floors and allow them to dry properly, Haberman says.

Deborah Butterfield’s ‘Horses’ exhibition
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Through June 26.
Where: Mesa Contemporary Arts at Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St.
Cost: Free Info: