Sweet Lizzie
ArtPrize 2026 Design Entry #49314
Sweet Lizzie was inspired by brain research conducted by Dr. Pam Maher at The Salk Institute. By studying the impact of sugar on brain inflammation and autistic behaviors, Dr. Maher found a strong correlation between all three. The sleek inner dress symbolizes the brain on a low sugar diet, with healthy cells embroidered on the bodice. The ice dyed overskirt represents the inflamed brain with 600 LED lights sewn in the shape of immune cells. Learn more about the science and process at tammiepontsler.com. Read the full statement here.
The full published article:
Currais, A., Farrokhi, C., Dargusch, R., Goujon-Svrzic, M., Maher, P. Dietary glycemic index modulates the behavioral and biochemical abnormalities associated with autism spectrum disorder. (2016) Molecular Psychiatry. 21(3):426-36. DOI: 10.1038/mp.2015.64
About Tammie
Tammie Pontsler is a local fashion designer whose work transforms complex ideas into wearable art through innovative design, technology, and advanced garment construction. A visual storyteller, Tammie integrates contemporary fashion, sustainability, history, craft, technology, and the human experience into garments that are both visually compelling and rich with meaning.
A lifelong learner, Tammie seeks to expand her creative practice through research, experimentation, and making. She will complete her MFA in Fashion this fall at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Her MFA thesis collection, Threads of Migration, will be exhibited at Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School in Decorah, Iowa, beginning in November 2026.
Education has been central to Tammie’s career. She has spent over two decades teaching thousands of students to sew, design, and create—from her early career as a high school educator to college instruction and her current studio-based business in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is a sewing pattern designer for Butterick, creating designs for the Palmer/Pletsch pattern line, and continues to teach sewing and pattern fitting.