11 talented Detroit students create bus-sized mural - FOX 35 News Orlando

A mural is a work of art, but it also tells a story, one that represents the state we call home through the eyes of some very talented young Detroiters.

"We want it to be cultural, show the agriculture, the products, the people of Detroit and Michigan itself," said Daniel Boatner.

He is one of the artists at the center of the mural.  He and ten other students at Henry Ford Academy School for Creative Studies came up with an idea, and renowned Detroit artist Hubert Massey guided them through every step of the project.

The mural is the size of a bus and took more than a year to complete.

"I was blown away.  I was overcome with emotion.  It's hard to believe that eleven kids from the seventh grade to the twelfth grade did this mural," said Ellen Sprouls from Grand Valley State University.

The mural will be permanently displayed in the New Business Building at Grand Valley State University.  These students with bright futures hope their view of Detroit and Michigan will serve as an inspiration for years to come.

"This is something really fantastic.  Despite what's going on in the city with the city government, there is a lot of really good things going on at the grass roots level in Detroit, and this is one of them," Sprouls said.