Born near Nowy Targ in the Tatra foothills, he demonstrated a talent for wood carving at an early age. He began his artistic education at the Antoni Kenar Arts School in the Tatra capital of Zakopane, subsequently graduating from the Fine Arts Academy in Warsaw.
In 1976, Parzygnat emigrated to the United States, where he developed a fine career as a sculptor and interior designer. In his works, he harked back to his roots, notably the cultural heritage of Polish highlanders.
Parzygnat’s sculptures were shown in galleries and museums in France, Japan, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Canada, Brazil, Spain and Russia. His work “Motherhood” is in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.
In 1986, he received the Liberty Award from New York Mayor Ed Koch as the winner of the competition for a work commemorating the centenary of the Statue of Liberty.
Parzygnat was a co-founder of the Polish American Artists Society, an organization which aims to promote the creative output of its members through exhibitions and publications.
He was a member of the prestigious Salmagundi Art Club in New York, one of the oldest American artistic associations with a history going back to 1871.
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