 "Charisse", a nude painting of a black woman representing "inner strength and determination of women of substance", was of Chan's friend and muse at the Art Students League of New York.It took 13 hours a day for two weeks to create the inspiring portrait of her friend, with whom she had lost touch since returning to Singapore.Chan received the award from President of Singapore S R Nathan at the prize presentation ceremony held at the Esplanade in full view of the inspiring painting and admired by many who were present at the ceremony.