Winter Magic at Garden City Center
CRANSTON, R.I. — A holder of a Guinness World Record added some winter wonder to the Garden City Center, all thanks to a credit card.
Brian Berg and his team crafted a unique vacation village display over three weeks, utilizing green and black Citizen credit cards along with adhesives. Berg, who has an architectural background, famously holds the record for the tallest freestanding playing card house, a title he earned back in 1992.
“Gluing is a bit unusual for me,” he admitted. “Using credit cards is different as well, but I tend to stick to things in my expertise.” It was a project that sparked his enthusiasm.
“This is a way to showcase something everyone encounters daily—credit cards,” Berg noted. “Transforming them into something unique and remarkable is what excites me.”
His team transported the display, featuring several iconic local structures, from New Mexico to Cranston. It now sits inside a gift box art installation positioned near Santa’s Cabin at Garden City Center.
“It’s stunning. There’s a quaint shop and a vintage Garden City sign,” mentioned Julie Belisle, the bank manager at Garden City Center. “We also have a Citizen Bank branch here.”
This display is part of the Holiday Happenings by Citizen program at the Garden City Center, which includes various events organized by local residents.
“We even have a contest. If you visit and count how many cards are used, you might just win a prize,” Belisle added.
The decorations provide a nostalgic touch, reminiscent of holiday seasons from years past.
“Looking at this takes me back to the old department stores,” reflected Joe Keckel, the General Manager. “It’s fantastic to see Rhode Island landmarks represented.”
The display is designed to catch the eye, but it also aims to inspire others to create their own holiday crafts.
“Kids love to build things with their hands,” Berg stated. “I hope this encourages people to go home and make something of their own.”
The completed village is now available for viewing, alongside efforts in the community to adopt trees for the holiday season. Shoppers can also drop off gifts for children in need at Garden City Center or the Citizens Cranston branch.
