The travel industry--not to mention, economy--has made it increasingly harder to take vacations to far-flung locales like Tibet. Which is even more of a reason to take a peek at Greg Hale's new art exhibit, Meditations on Tibet, starting its nearly three-month-long run today.

A selection of black-and-white landscapes, people, temples, architecture and village life taken during Hale's 2004 trip to Tibet will offer a glimpse into the region's geography, culture and spirit. The exhibit is co-sponsored by Tibetan Aid Project, a non-political organization whose mission is to help rebuild, preserve, strengthen, and perpetuate Tibet's cultural and spiritual heritage for the benefit of the Tibetan people and all humanity. All photographs will be available for purchase, and a percentage of the proceeds will go directly to Tibetan Aid Project.

The exhibit is open to the public for free daily from 9am to 6pm through May 27 at the World Affairs Council at 313 Sutter Street, Suite 200. For more information, call 510-848-4238.