Each of the cemeteries has their own types of art. Various headstones, even if they are simple and small, or large and intricate, headstones are artistic representations of the person who passed, and those who have commemorated them. Landscaping and use of plants is also an art in itself, using horticulture to beautify the grounds and comfort those who are grieving or just visiting. All have various types of headstones, memorials and landscaping that shape them as part of an “art world.”
Arlington:
Arlington has numerous types of headstones. There are different headstones for solider from each war, as Arlington holds the graves of soldiers from every US war. There are unique headstones for religious burials, and even more unique grave markers for family graves and memorials. http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore-the-Cemetery/Monuments-and-Memorials and http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore-the-Cemetery/Notable-Graves are the links to view and learn about each of the monuments and memorials on the Arlington grounds.
Arlington also houses a memorial arboretum. “Rolling green hills, majestic trees and a diverse collection of ornamental plants serve as the backdrop to this national shrine. The cemetery’s 624 acres are a unique blend of formal and informal landscapes, dotted with more than 8,500 native and exotic trees. Intimate gardens enhance the beauty and sense of peace. To commemorate its 150th anniversary, this historic landscape has been established as the Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Arboretum. The Arboretum serves as a living memorial to those who have served our nation and connects visitors to the rich tapestry of the cemetery’s living history and natural beauty. We are honored to preserve and interpret this iconic landscape for generations to come”(http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore-the-Cemetery/Memorial-Arboretum-and-Horticulture/Welcome). Plants can be a form of art. Those who have created and maintain the arboretum as part of Arlington Cemetery use the beautiful horticulture as a backdrop and a way to comfort those visiting.
Davis:
Davis Cemetery District and Arboretum is an interesting place. The front half of its grounds are covered in headstones. Some old and intricate, some new and modern, and everything else in between. Many of the old family coping have been transformed into small gardens, including a scent garden, a bulb garden, and a few others. The historical headstones have significance and beauty that is unparalleled. The newer headstones are simple and more modern, they have a clean elegance to them.
The back section of the grounds is uninhabited by graves. It is mostly open field with wildflowers and hearty flowering shrubs. Around the wild field are numerous types of trees, many native the Central Valley of California.
The whole cemetery is an arboretum. Each year the grounds managers plant more trees and maintain the old oaks in the historic section of the cemetery. Its layout is beautiful and its play between trees (both young and old) and headstones of all types adds a very artistic element to the cemetery.
The Davis Cemetery also has an art gallery on premises. It is called Gallery 1855. It constantly has new art. There are openings regularly, and the art varies from photography, to painting, and everything in between.
Eugene:
Eugene Pioneer Cemetery also has its own art. While its layout is simple and in a square grid, the headstones and plant life make it far from boring. The graves date back to the 1800s and there is an astonishing amount of unique headstones. Almost all types of headstones, from the most basic to intricate statues, are represented. There are historic graves as well as new ones scattered throughout the grounds.
The paths are clearly marked and give easy access to most graves. It is an easy place to walk and relax. Many people take strolls and bring their dogs on walks within the cemetery grounds.
The trees in the graveyard are fairly old. There are large pines, cedars, as well as a few deciduous trees that give wonderful color in fall. They shade most of the grounds. They create a separate atmosphere for the cemetery from the surrounding roads and field. You feel much more like you are in nature, even if there are headstones all around you.