A down home American icon will visit Tacoma Art Museum in February. None other than Norman Rockwell, the guy who - I swear it must be so - invented Thanksgiving, watermelon, baseball and prayer. The exhibition American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell makes its only Northwest stop at TAM Feb. 26 to May 30 with 44 paintings and 323 original Saturday Evening Post covers.  There will be archival materials showing how Rockwell worked, from preliminary sketches, photographs, color studies and detailed drawings to the finished painting. There's more nostalgia, sentimentality and Americana here than at a lifetime of family reunions and Fourth of July picnics. "Rockwell's works are part of our popular consciousness," said Margaret Bullock, curator of Collections and Special Exhibitions at Tacoma Art Museum.

And (aside from Rockwell) what's more American than a hamburger? Neighboring Mary's Burger Bistro has a tasty giant, greasy burger with your name on it. Seriously, they're huge so bring your appetite.

After the show, grab a beer at the Harmon Brewery and Eatery. It's as American as you can get, with a ski lodge theme, and their own beer line including my favorite Mt. Takhoma Blonde.  - Alec Clayton

[Tacoma Art Museum, Feb. 26-May 30, Wednesday-Sunday 10 am-5 pm, Third Thursdays 10 am-8 pm, 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.4258]