Mark Andrew Parolisi is an American arts administrator, cultural entrepreneur, technology executive, and nonprofit founder. He is the founder and executive director of Virgil Art House, an independent multidisciplinary arts organization in Los Angeles that combines a contemporary art gallery, music rehearsal studio, creative workshop space, and community event venue. His work focuses on creating sustainable spaces where artists, musicians, and local residents can create, collaborate, perform, exhibit, and build community.
In addition to his work in the arts, Parolisi has spent more than two decades leading engineering and digital publishing initiatives for major media organizations while founding nonprofit and civic organizations dedicated to public service and community engagement.
Arts Leadership
Parolisi founded Virgil Art House in 2026 after acquiring and restoring a neighborhood creative space in Virgil Village. Conceived as a permanent cultural destination, Virgil Art House was established to expand access to the arts through exhibitions, workshops, performances, artist residencies, music rehearsals, and community programming.
His vision for Virgil Art House is rooted in the belief that neighborhoods thrive when artists have permanent, professionally operated spaces in which to create and share their work. Under his leadership, the organization has invested in significant facility improvements designed to support artists while creating an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environment for the public.
Beyond presenting visual art, Virgil Art House serves as a gathering place for musicians, educators, nonprofit organizations, and creative entrepreneurs, reflecting Parolisi’s commitment to strengthening Los Angeles’ independent arts ecosystem.
Parolisi also serves on the Board of Directors of Tonality, the Los Angeles-based nonprofit vocal ensemble recognized for using music to inspire dialogue around social issues. As a board member, he supports organizational strategy, marketing, fundraising, and public engagement.
Technology Career
Before founding Virgil Art House, Parolisi built a career in technology leadership spanning graphic design, software engineering, digital publishing, and media innovation.
He began his career in graphic design and print production before transitioning into software engineering, contributing to digital products associated with organizations including ABC, Bloomberg, TIME, Elite Daily, and dmg media.
While serving as Technical Lead for TIME, Parolisi developed an interactive spoiler-hiding feature for film reviews that received recognition from both TIME and Digiday as an example of editorial and engineering collaboration.
At dmg media, he has led engineering teams responsible for digital publishing platforms, newsroom technology, authentication systems, content management infrastructure, and audience-facing products supporting millions of readers worldwide.
Journalism and Nonprofit Leadership
Parolisi is also the co-founder of The Yonkers Ledger, an independent nonprofit community news organization established in 2022 to strengthen local journalism and civic engagement. Operating through a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the publication provides independent reporting on municipal government and public affairs.
He has served in both technology and financial leadership roles for the organization while contributing reporting on issues affecting the Yonkers community.
Civic Engagement
Parolisi has long been involved in civic advocacy and public-interest initiatives. In 2022, he joined fellow Yonkers residents in a legal challenge concerning municipal term limits, advocating for voter participation and government accountability.
His broader civic work reflects a commitment to transparent institutions, engaged communities, and expanded public access to information and cultural resources.
Philanthropy
Parolisi has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and community food-distribution organizations.
In 2025, he helped establish the Little Lions Big Hearts Foundation, a charitable organization created in memory of his late wife, Eleanor “Elie” Estebanez. The foundation supports families of children living with congenital and acquired heart disease through grants and community partnerships.
Personal
Parolisi was born in Queens, New York, and later lived in Central Florida where he completed his degree in Political Science and Sociology at the University of Central Florida with honors. He then returned to New York to further his career in technology and journalism.
He now resides in Los Angeles, where he continues to lead Virgil Art House while supporting nonprofit arts, journalism, and civic organizations.