The Belfry wrapping up Kickstarter campaign

The Belfry Kickstarter campaign will close April 14.

The online fundraising effort is still $15,000 short of its $34,500 goal.

Owner Angeline Rhett has been hit with significant unexpected requirements from the City of Sisters and the state fire marshal's office, and some of the funds raised will be used to bring The Belfry into compliance so that it can be used for its intended purpose.

It's currently operating under restricted conditions on a temporary-use permit.

Rhett also wants to install a house sound system, lighting and a projector/movie screen. The goal is to professionalize the venue and make it more versatile for different types of groups and events.

Since opening on November 16, The Belfry has hosted 34 shows or events ranging from intuitive workshops to a comedy night, Sisters Science Club and a range of local and national musicians.

"We've hosted multiple fundraisers that have totaled over $23,000; donated over $3,000 in goods, services, and space rentals; and basically been working with what little we have to create a multipurpose arts and entertainment center for our community," Rhett told The Nugget.

Rhett is realistic about the chances of coming through on the Kickstarter campaign. The fundraising tool's protocols are "all or nothing." If a project doesn't make it's goal, no one is charged anything. Rhett will come up with other alternatives.

"I don't want folks to feel like if this doesn't fund The Belfry will shut it's doors," she said. "I will just have to come up with more creative solutions to get the job done. I'm pretty scrappy and 100 percent dedicated to making this work in a good way."

She's very happy with the community's reception.

"The Belfry is right where I'd hope it would be for the spring," she said. "We've had great turnouts, and very appreciative audiences. Everyone has ideas of what's possible in that building."

To access the Kickstarter project, click the link available at www.belfryevents.com.