The sculptor behind some of Boston’s most iconic and beloved public art pieces is celebrating another major milestone. Artist Nancy Schön just celebrated her 97th birthday.Schön may be best known for her “Make Way for Ducklings” sculpture located in the Boston Public Garden, inspired by the 1941 children’s book by Robert McCloskey. But she’s also created sculptures for the Newton Free Library, Beacon Hill and other cities around the country and the world. Over the years, Schön has welcomed WCVB reporters and Chronicle photographers into her home studio to talk about her life and art. But what else can Nancy do? As it turns out, a whole lot. We asked Schön’s granddaughters, Mia and Jackie Schon, what else there is to know about the artist on her 97th birthday.1: Nancy is very activeHer granddaughters report that she keeps her body and her mind active. She swims in her pool daily and is known to carry her own groceries up the stairs. “You’re selling your books online and your sculptures on your online store,” said Mia Schon, looking at the woman whom she refers to as ‘Nanny.’ “And she’s the one who’s packing them up and bringing them to the post office.”She has friends of all ages, and you’re likely to find a puzzle in progress in her living room. “You hear all these tips on how to age,” said Jackie Schon. “She doesn’t do anything fancy. But she does everything right.” 2: Her family reports she is an excellent baker Schön continues to be the host for her family’s get-togethers. Jackie Schon said her Nanny’s specialties include lemon squares, brownies and blueberry pancakes.”On Thanksgiving, she makes sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top,” said Jackie. “I learned my first swear words when they burned every year!” 3: Nancy is tech-savvyMia Schon says her grandmother is handy with her phone and its many apps, including social media. It’s one way she keeps tabs on her 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.”She’s also using 3D printing for her art!” said Mia.4: Many of her family members are professional artistsHer granddaughters say that their Nanny set a great example of how to be a professional, working artist. Mia, a mosaic artist, and Jackie, a photographer, say many of their other family members are also working artists. “I think we’ve all learned from her how to be a professional artist in this world and how to build a business,” said Mia Schon, “and how to make beautiful things that matter.”5: Her first sculpture was a cup and saucer.When she was about five years old, Nancy Schön said she was invited to a Halloween party where all the children were given gum and instructed to create a sculpture. The young Schön took it and made a miniature cup and saucer and came in first place.

BOSTON —

The sculptor behind some of Boston’s most iconic and beloved public art pieces is celebrating another major milestone. Artist Nancy Schön just celebrated her 97th birthday.

Schön may be best known for her “Make Way for Ducklings” sculpture located in the Boston Public Garden, inspired by the 1941 children’s book by Robert McCloskey. But she’s also created sculptures for the Newton Free Library, Beacon Hill and other cities around the country and the world.

Over the years, Schön has welcomed WCVB reporters and Chronicle photographers into her home studio to talk about her life and art. But what else can Nancy do? As it turns out, a whole lot. We asked Schön’s granddaughters, Mia and Jackie Schon, what else there is to know about the artist on her 97th birthday.

1: Nancy is very active

Her granddaughters report that she keeps her body and her mind active. She swims in her pool daily and is known to carry her own groceries up the stairs.

“You’re selling your books online and your sculptures on your online store,” said Mia Schon, looking at the woman whom she refers to as ‘Nanny.’ “And she’s the one who’s packing them up and bringing them to the post office.”

She has friends of all ages, and you’re likely to find a puzzle in progress in her living room.

“You hear all these tips on how to age,” said Jackie Schon. “She doesn’t do anything fancy. But she does everything right.”

2: Her family reports she is an excellent baker

Schön continues to be the host for her family’s get-togethers. Jackie Schon said her Nanny’s specialties include lemon squares, brownies and blueberry pancakes.

“On Thanksgiving, she makes sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top,” said Jackie. “I learned my first swear words when they burned every year!”

3: Nancy is tech-savvy

Mia Schon says her grandmother is handy with her phone and its many apps, including social media. It’s one way she keeps tabs on her 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

“She’s also using 3D printing for her art!” said Mia.

4: Many of her family members are professional artists

Her granddaughters say that their Nanny set a great example of how to be a professional, working artist. Mia, a mosaic artist, and Jackie, a photographer, say many of their other family members are also working artists.

“I think we’ve all learned from her how to be a professional artist in this world and how to build a business,” said Mia Schon, “and how to make beautiful things that matter.”

5: Her first sculpture was a cup and saucer.

When she was about five years old, Nancy Schön said she was invited to a Halloween party where all the children were given gum and instructed to create a sculpture. The young Schön took it and made a miniature cup and saucer and came in first place.