Credit, Man’s Confidence in Man mural
Originally commissioned by the Citizens National Bank, Springville, NY (which Grell painted several including a large banking center in downtown New York City) is now the Village of Springville, NY municipal building.  This quaint twelve foot by twelve foot mural is today, temporarily covered by a dropped ceiling.  Commissioned during the great depression, Grell shows how hard working Americans and some confidence in the banking system could help pull the country out of the Great Depression. During the period of the now famous Works Progress Administration, Grell was aptly supplied with non government subsidized commissions.  This painting is very similar to a commission by Grell earned for the Manufacturers Bank and Trust in St. Louis, MO now the Lift For Life Academy and many others during the depression era.

The City Manager allowed Grell researches to climb up into the dropped ceiling and photograph the hidden treasure.  There are plans to raise the ceiling to expose the hidden historic mural and large art deco clock.

Grell claimed in 1949 that he painted a “Credit” mural for the huge Bank of New York Building in New York City also and is believed to be a separate commission (Omaha World Herald, November 9, 1949).  This could be a reference to the 1 Wall Street large banking building in Manhattan. Research continues.

oil on canvas, approximate size 12′ x 12′