I once volunteered with this organization, and took a variety of classes. I even exhibited my work there. But it's changed in recent years and I no longer want to be a part of what they do. I don't know why Karen E. would refer to comments as “defamatory, libelous and untrue”-.- the person was speaking the truth about the organization's default. Maybe Karen wasn't there when the initial deal was made and prefers to concentrate only on "current affairs". I was there, I saw what happened. This organization has a checkered past, with obligations they are not meeting.
I understand that the current Board is not going to advertise these behind-the-scenes problems. But prospective students should know that the organization isn’t on the soundest of foundations.
Aside from all that, I have found other schools in Chicago for photography classes where the emphasis is placed much more on student work, not that of professionals. If you are looking for a place to begin (or continue) your own photographic journey, and are interested in showing your own work in a public gallery, CPC may not be right for you. My work has been exhibited at other photography galleries in Chicago. I have taken classes at other schools where the concentration is on teaching fundamental through advanced photographic skills and digital printing. They have sophisticated digital labs with excellent computers and printers. They employ very experienced and gifted teachers whose goal is to bring out the very best in their students’ work. These teachers aren’t involved because they want to exhibit their own work, they are involved because they want to encourage and inspire students. Do a search for "photography classes in Chicago", and read websites from other schools. CPC is by no means the only game in town.